Autism Speaks… and Dances!

The Rides and Rods event to benefit Autism Speaks this weekend will be remembered for a long time. Friday night, the setting for the black tie event was magical… the sparkling guests who arrived at the Mile High Station could have easily been mistaken for Hollywood celebrities.

And, speaking of Hollywood celebrities… more than a few were in attendance. Jennifer Wilde, award winning radio personality turned actress, graced the party with her attendance. I was lucky enough to grab her for a few minutes to learn more about her upcoming hit movie: Section B. THIS movie will change the lives of everyone who sees it! The script will change the way you see other people and Jennifer’s songs will change the way you see yourself! Her friend, Dave Otto, local radio celebrity with 98.3 KXBX-FM came along for the food and fun. Inside tip: he’s even more fun in person than he is on the air!

Jeff Olson, 2-time Downhill Skiing Champion, also on hand, shared his thoughts and support for a great cause. He is the President of Well Nourished Worldwide and frequently speaks to health, physician and athletic communities. Click here to learn more about Jeff Olson.

Local celebrity Betty Lehman, Executive Directory of Autism Society of Colorado, shared several success stories. She has been an integral part of the Autism Society of Colorado for the last 18 years and she continues to move proverbial mountains with her knowledge and abilities. To learn more about upcoming events and ways to help click here: AutismColorado.org/

My special friends, Eugene Ebner and James Armstrong, owners and founders of Spirit Media Network, were also part of the elite group of guests. They brought so much to the event and truly, they were the life of the party (at least on the dance floor)… Lucky me, because I love to dance and they are both wonderful dancers! Eugene did, however, make me cry… when he sang I think he stopped all local traffic. The talented Eugene and James are well-known in media circuits. If you aren’t in the know, you will be soon!

And, among the many wonderful people who attended, one special guest stopped traffic like no one that I’ve ever met before…Tina LeGrand, a.k.a. Todd Barnes, appeared-at first glance-to be a beautiful and well dressed woman. And, at well over six foot tall, “she” caught everyone’s eye. After a few minutes my friend Susan Lynn Perry and I ventured over to acquaint ourselves with this interesting guest. We were blown away by our conversation – one highlighted by humor and honestly. We had our pictures taken together and we spent a great deal of the evening sharing true life stories. Tina is one of the most interesting people I’ve met in a very long time.

Not to be missed: Tina’s true life story put to music: Life As a Fabulous Disappointment at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret on October 4th at 7:30. I heard Tina sing and I would suggest a kleenex or two… I’m taking an entire box! Get your tickets while there are still a few available here: Fabulous Disappointment or by calling 303-293.0075. I’ll see YOU there!

A future celebrity wrapped up the evening with one of the most memorable moments that I have ever seen. Organizer, Mikayla Houser’s son Jason is destined to become a household name. When he decided to dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller many attempted to keep up with him on the dance floor.

I cried all the way through his dance and, following the dance, told him that he was absolutely amazing. His response,

“I really love Michael Jackson and the song, Thriller. I knew the dance so it just had to come out!”

Watch his magical performance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZjwFI85VUA

Joshua School teachers, Bret Saunders, Brooke Hauser and many more Autism advocates and heroes were in attendance and every single one was there in support of MY son, YOUR daughter, MY neighbor, YOUR friend and OUR future generation!

I believe that Autism should be (and one day WILL be) recognized for what it really is: A highly evolved way of seeing life… one that is free of pride and prejudice and that is full of honesty and heroism.

We who are a part of this community are among the chosen few who can really see the gifts that people with Autism have. It is up to US to share the magic with others because The World We Change Could Be Our Own!

As always, I welcome your thoughts, comments and feedback!