Weeklong Series of Events Highlighted the Impact of Autism on South Florida Families

(PALM BEACH, FL) - Autism Speaks Week, a major autism awareness and fundraising initiative in South Florida, has raised more than $2.5 millionto support the work of the national advocacy organization Autism Speaks and its efforts to raise the level of understanding and acceptance of autism.

The week culminated at The Mar-a-Lago Club, where Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Lionel Richie headlined and Tom Brokaw emceed the fourth annual Concert for Autism Speaks,sponsored by Chevy, that raised $1.8 million.

The sold-out event was hosted by renowned journalist and authorBrokaw who introduced speakers Donald Trump, an event co-chair along with hiswife, Melania, followed by Florida Governor Charlie Crist, and Suzanne and Bob Wright, the co-founders of Autism Speaks. The audience was on their feet for much of the concert that featured Richie's most beloved and acclaimed hits, both as a solo performer and as a member of the Commodores.

The money raised from the week's events will be dedicated to supporting critical scientific research into the causes of autism, better treatments and a cure, as well as support services for individuals with autism in South Florida and across the country. Thousands of people, including individuals with autism, their friends and family, participated in the week's events.

Autism Speaks Week featured a kick-off cocktail reception at the Polo Ralph Lauren store in Palm Beach where 15% of the evening's sales were donated to Autism Speaks. The NBC stations WPTV and WTVJ and Miami's Telemundo broadcasted a multi-part news series focusing all of South Florida on the escalating numbers of people affected by autism. The ING DIRECT Ride Now South Florida fundraising motorcycle event, raised more than $300,000 dollars. In addition, the online auction and live telethon, sponsored by AT&T and Chevy, raised more than $250,000 dollars.

"We are so grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to make Autism Speaks Week an unprecedented success, from the local parent/advocates, sponsors, our incredible staff, and many dedicated volunteers," said Suzanne Wright. "Every day, we are making tremendous strides toward educating the public about autism and helping to improve the lives of individuals living with autism today."

"Autism is a national health crisis that is affecting families in every corner of this country, from Florida to Alaska," said Bob Wright. "Autism Speaks Week shined a spotlight on the struggles of South Florida families, and by working together, we are moving ever closer to finding the answers we all seek about this disorder."

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Vice Chairman, General Electric, and served as chairman and chief executive officer of NBC Universal for more than twenty years. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.