Autism Care Today's Gala Raises Over $250,000

The 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars, a gala to raise funds to help and support children with autism and their families, attracted a star-studded crowd to the Four Seasons Westlake Village on October 7. The event raised over $250,000 for Autism Care Today.

Honored during the evening for their work in the autism community were Richard Schiff, an Emmy-award winning actor, director and producer currently in "The Good Doctor" (ACTivist Award), Joanne Lara, executive director of Autism Works Now! (Golden Cowgirl Award) and Rose van Wier Hein, founder/CEO of Golden Heart Ranch (Visionary Award).

"The 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds and Stars was a great night for Autism Care Today. We had over 300 supporters, corporate sponsors and celebrities in attendance," says Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, executive director, Autism Care Today (formerly Autism Care and Treatment Today!). "A truly special moment on the red carpet was a 'West Wing' reunion with actors Martin Sheen, Dulé Hill, Gary Cole and Richard Schiff."

Other attendees included Joe Mantegna ("Criminal Minds"), Nicholas Gonzalez ("The Good Doctor," "How to Get Away With Murder," "Pretty Little Liars"), Dee Wallace ("NCIS: LA," iconic Mom on "E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial"), Kate Linder (Daytime Emmy winner, "Young and the Restless") and Alicia Machado, 1996 Miss Universe.

Since the inception of the organization in 2005, Autism Care Today has raised and distributed over $1.75 million in grants that pay for behavioral therapy, medical care, special education schools and other services.

For more information, call 877-922-8863, email info@act-today.org or visit www.Act-Today.org.