Look To The Stars News: TACA

Ryan Sheckler To Host Friday Night Charity Fights

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Friday night will be Fight Night for charity on February 6, when Ryan Sheckler hosts an evening of multi-disciplined fights.

The skateboard star is hosting the event – Down 4 Life – to benefit Road 2 Recovery and autism organization TACA through his own Sheckler Foundation, an organization he established to work in partnership with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund to raise awareness and funds for children suffering from cancer.

Scheduled to fight at the event are Ultimate Fighting champions Danny Abbadi and Andy Wang, as well as Kit Cope and Craig Wilkerson. Professional skateboarder Jason Ellis will also make his fighting debut.

More information about the event can be found at the Sheckler Foundation website.

Jenny McCarthy And Lance Armstrong Host Autism Poker Night

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy and Lance Armstrong are teaming up this Friday, October 3, for a special poker event to raise money for autism research.

Ante Up For Autism will raise money for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), an organization for which McCarthy is a spokesperson. It will feature a night of celebrity poker at its very best – featuring Tony Hawk, Ryan Sheckler, Jim Everett, Ernesto Fonseca, Jeremy McGrath, John Schneider and many others – as well as a live and silent auction.

The event will take place at the St. Regis Hotel in Monarch Beach/Dana Point, California, and there is a $500 per person buy-in for general admission tickets and a $1000 per person buy-in for poker tournament tickets. If you can’t make it on the night, special Ante Up For Autism playing cards can be purchased from TACA for $5.50.

Tickets and playing cards can be purchased by clicking here, and the silent auction can be accessed through the Gavel Group website. More information about the event can be found at www.anteupforautism.org.

Jenny McCarthy And Jim Carrey Host Autism Fundraiser

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey hosted a celebrity-studded fundraiser for autism research on Saturday night.

The gala raised money for Generation Rescue – an autism support charity established in 2005 of which McCarthy is a board member – and featured a large number of high-profile guests, including Britney Spears, Charlie Sheen, and Rose McGowan.

McCarthy is well known for her work supporting autism research, a cause she became involved with after her son was diagnosed with the condition. As well as supporting a number of organizations dedicated to children with autism, such as the TACA and the HEAL! Foundation, the model-turned-actress also wrote a book called Louder Than Words documenting her struggles to cope with a son who suffers from autism.

Jenny McCarthy will also be appearing at Maria Shriver’s annual Women’s Conference in October.

Laird Hamilton and Steve & Barry's Launch the ‘Wonderwall’ Collection

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:59:27 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The world’s greatest big wave surfer, Laird Hamilton has teamed up with Steve & Barry’s to launch the Wonderwall collection of surf and skate apparel for men, which includes a unique t-shirt that will benefit autism awareness.

The collection includes 165 high quality items all priced at $9.98 or less, and one of those items was created for a special cause-battling autism. Hamilton’s line includes a limited edition graphic t-shirt that will be sold with a portion of sales supporting Talk About Curing Autism (TACA), an organization that provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. Hamilton became involved in the effort to cure autism when film partner and close friend Don King’s son was diagnosed with the illness.

“Autism is a cause that is close to my heart, " said Hamilton, “It touches the lives of so many families, and I’m very proud we’re able to support TACA’s efforts through Wonderwall.”

Hamilton’s commitment to the cause will also be showcased through the documentary, Path of Purpose, which chronicles his 500-mile trek across the Hawaiian Islands to raise funds so his friend King could make a film about his autistic son. The documentary is set to debut on the Sundance Channel in July.

Hamilton is best known for pushing the boundaries of water sports, being the first to complete a 360-degree loop on a surfboard and performing marathon-like paddleboard journeys around the world. This new collection is Hamilton’s first clothing line, inspired by his sense of style, attitude and overall approach to life.

Hamilton lives in Hawaii with his wife, former professional volleyball player Gabrielle Reese, and their two children.

Visit www.thisiswonderwall.com for more information on the line and store locations.

Jenny McCarthy Raising Awareness for Autism

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:24:28 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On Sunday, September 30, actress Jenny McCarthy teamed up with TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) for their 2007 Annual Family Picnic in Irvine, California.

This extremely popular family event sells out each year, and this year more than 1,000 families with autistic children attended the event. The picnic for children affected by autism is a primary fundraiser to help TACA continue to provide important services to families affected by autism. McCarthy, who recently authored a new book Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism held a book signing during the event and was recently named as the spokesperson for TACA.

In her new role as spokesperson, McCarthy will also be hosting the Ante Up for Autism Fundraiser presented by TACA in partnership with the Orange County Business Group on October 20, 2007 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, CA. This worthy event promises to attract a number of celebrities including World Series of Poker champion Daniel Negreanu. With only 240 general admission tickets available, the Ante Up for Autism event is sure to be a sell-out. General admission tickets include access to an exclusive pre-event with Jenny McCarthy where she will speak about autism and her new book. If you’re feeling lucky, 90 tournament tickets are available for this event, which includes a seat in the poker tournament and admission to the “best practices” poker lecture given by professional poker players. To purchase tickets please visit: Ante Up For Autism.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a not-for-profit organization focused on building the autism community by connecting people – families, friends and professionals – and sharing information which can help children with autism be the best they can be. TACA provides support, education and information to more than 3,000 people in California who are touched by autism through monthly education and support meetings, parent mentoring, the Autism Journey Guide, and seminars and conferences. Ninety-five percent of TACA’s services are provided at NO cost. Donating to TACA offers corporations the opportunity to build public and community relations as well as improve the quality of life of employees and customers. By supporting a cause that affects one in 150 children, you are directly supporting your community.

Jenny McCarthy Releases Book on Autism

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:41:24 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jenny McCarthy is not normally a name associated with serious issues. The actress and former Playboy Playmate of the Year from Chicago is known to be one of the funniest actresses in Hollywood, and is the author of several humorous books on not-so-humorous topics, such as pregnancy and motherhood. Yet September 18 saw the release of a book that tells a “heartbreaking story of a serious issue”, an issue that is close to her heart. Louder Than Words tells of her son’s struggle with autism, how it affected their family, and their mission to find a cure.

McCarthy’s son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism in 2002, causing him to be extremely sensitive to air and water. It is a brain disorder that affects 1 in 150 children, and can cause problems with children’s communication, social interaction, and creative abilities. It often persists through adulthood. McCarthy hopes her new book, which chronicles the hurdles Evan and his mother have faced, will help others who are in a similar position.

“This book is everything to me,” said the 35 year old star of movies such as Scream 3 and Scary Movie 3. “It’s about faith. It’s about loving your child no matter what. It’s about acceptance.”

Since Evan was diagnosed, McCarthy has been actively involved with organizations and fundraising events dealing with autism. In June 2007, she hosted a Celebrity Dinner Gala and Charity Golf Tournament for the HEAL! Foundation, which raised over $400,000 for the non-profit organization. HEAL! (Healing Every Autistic Life) was founded in 2004 by parents Bobby and Leslie Wood, and paediatrician, Julie Wood, MD. It supports families of children who suffer from autism, and is committed to helping them grow into adults that are accepted and useful members of the community. Based in Ponte Vedra Beach, it does this by addressing education, awareness, treatment, research, and prevention. McCarthy is also the new spokesperson for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), a similar organization which provides resources and support to families affected by autism in California.

Through these organizations, McCarthy approached Dr Jerry Kartzinel, of Paediatric Partners in Ponte Vedra. With his help and support, Evan is now able to express himself and hold full conversations.

“When my son was diagnosed, I had this vision in my head of him playing with his friends at a birthday party,” said McCarthy. “And on May 18, that came true. And he’s doing really great.”

The rest of September will be busy for McCarthy, with a national tour promoting the book, as well as appearances on Oprah and several other shows. She hopes her work will reach out and give hope to those in need, and will assist with increasing the quality of life for those that suffer from the debilitating disease.

“I want our children to start each day in silent meditation. I want organic cafeterias, outdoor class sessions… I want it all.”

More information on “Louder Than Words” can be found at www.talkaboutcuringautism.org and www.healautismnow.org.

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