ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), a national non-profit organization based in Tarzana, California, has announced that this year’s 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism will recognize television personality Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Rebecca Grossman, founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation at the October 15, 2011 star-studded event.
The two philanthropists have led this year’s long list of ACT Today! supporters with for their extraordinary work in raising autism awareness around the country. Bergeron will receive the ACTivist award for raising autism awareness not only in Hollywood, but across the nation. Grossman will receive the Golden Cowgirl award for her tireless efforts improving the lives of children with and without autism. The all-star tribute to both will be held during the 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism event, held at the Ahmanson Ranch, located at 25345 Mureau Road in Calabasas, California.
“ACT Today!‘s mission is to provide resources and fund grants for care and treatment to children whose families can not afford the necessary tools their child needs to reach their full potential, " says Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, ACT Today! Executive Director. "We rely heavily on our supporters to help us help these children. When it came time to select this year’s ACTivist and Golden Cowgirl, there was no doubt in the minds of the board of directors who those two should be. Tom Bergeron and Rebecca Grossman are passionate about spreading autism awareness, and the fruits of their labor this year have really helped us (ACT Today!) tremendously, as we were able to fund a record number of grants to families."
The 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism event will feature an outside cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, live entertainment and seated dinner program where Bergeron and Grossman will receive special tributes. Upwards of 500 people are expected to attend the red carpet “denim & diamonds” event, including celebrities, dignitaries, past grant recipients and other supporters.
“This is such a great event for an even greater cause,” says singer Drew Lachey of 98 Degrees and event presenter. “I am proud to be a part of this year’s Denim & Diamonds. I think what ACT Today! does and what Tom Bergeron is doing to help children with autism inspire me to want to do more.” Lachey worked with Bergeron during the second season of "Dancing with the Stars, where Lachey won first place. Many celebrity contestants from the top rated show are expected to be in attendance to pay tribute to Bergeron, including Bergeron’s co-host, Brooke Burke.
Events such as the 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism allows ACT Today! to raise essential funds to provide grants for families in desperate need of care and treatment. In the past year, ACT Today! distributed over $100, 000 in grants to families.
For more information about the 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism, visit www.denimanddiamondsforautism.net.
