fbpx
November 22, 2013  By Connie K Ho | OC Register

Eye On OC: A Safe Bet for Support

lisa-jeff-glen-ante-up-2013

Life-sized playing cards, poker aficionados and TV stars were part of the Vegas-style event at the seventh annual Ante Up for Autism Gala and Casino Night. The event at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point was held to benefit Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).

The group, a national organization with its headquarters in Irvine, provides parent education and support to families who have been affected by autism. Co-hosted by actor Joseph Reitman and pro poker player Michelle Lau, the night began with a reception where guests sampled bite- sized appetizers and bid on silent-auction items, including a Bob Sagetautographed photo and script from the ’80s and ’90s sitcom “Full House.”

“TACA is an organization close to my heart because I’ve seen them help families that are dealing with autism and I’ve seen the hopelessness in these parents’ eyes,” Lau said. “You can see the sense of relief and the hope that TACA brings to these families – anything that I can help do, I’m all in for it.”

A few of the celebrities mingled, including actors Rich Sommer (AMC’s “Mad Men”) and David Marcian(Showtime’s “Homeland”) as well as actress Lauren Potter (Fox’s “Glee”).

“I’m looking forward to raising as much money as we can to help find a cure,” said Marciano, whose son has autism.

After the reception, the attendees were able to try their luck at tables set up for casino games such as craps and blackjack. There was also a sprawling buffet, where guests filled their plates with an assortment of meats, vegetables and desserts. More than 300 people were in attendance to help raise money for autism-related support and resources.

“Autism is treatable and it’s our pleasure to do this because we know that it’s not this ‘game over’ – it’s ‘game on,’” said TACA Executive Director & Founder Lisa Ackerman.

More Press Releases

Presidential Candidates: Let’s Talk About the Autism Plan – 2024 Edition

For years, TACAnow blog has featured what is needed in autism community (1). During each election cycle, voters are barraged…

Read More

Todd Hanson Joins The Autism Community in Action (TACA) as Chief Financial Officer to Drive Strategic Growth

Irvine, CA (June 6 2024) – The Autism Community in Action (TACA) proudly welcomes Todd Hanson to its leadership team…

Read More

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) Presents the Autism Hero Award to the Warne Foundation

The Autism Community in Action (TACA), recognized and honored the Warne Foundation with the organization’s Autism Hero Award. Victoria Erautt…

Read More

Autism Prevalence is Now 1 in 36, Signifying the 22% Increase in Prevalence Rates Reported by the CDC Since 2021

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) shared that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, autism prevalence has…

Read More

The Autism Community in Action Announces Appointment of Cheryl Foster to the Board of Directors

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is proud to announce the appointment of Cheryl Foster to TACA’s Board of Directors….

Read More

The Autism Community in Action Welcomes Kim DeAllen and Ross Mitchell to Autism Ambassador Group

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is honored to announce the appointment of Kim DeAllen and Ross Mitchell to TACA’s…

Read More

TACA Surpasses Fundraising Goal Raising Over $1 Million for Families Living with Autism

The Autism Community in Action (TACA), a national nonprofit organization, surpassed its ambitious fundraising goal by raising over $1 million…

Read More

Whitecap Enterprises Supports Ante Up for Autism Fundraising Event to Assist Families Living with Autism

Warrenton, VA – September 12, 2022 – Whitecap Enterprises, investing in many industries that are in their early to middle…

Read More

Autism Prevalence is Now 1 in 44, Signifying the Eighth Increase in Prevalence Rates Reported by the CDC Since 2000

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) shared the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, autism prevalence has taken…

Read More
Scroll to Top