Press Releases

Saturday’s star-studded fundraising event captured the hearts of its attendees as more than $220,000 (gross) was raised for families who are touched by autism. The 4th Annual Ante Up for Autism premier “Gala and Casino Night” benefited Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) – a national non-profit organization that provides support and resources to over 20,000 families across the United States.

Located at the luxurious St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa in Dana Point, Calif., the event included a VIP red carpet entrance, cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres on the resort lawn, a live performance by “One Tree Hill” actress and singer Kate Voegele, tournament poker, a dinner buffet, a live & silent auction and tips from poker stars.

Celebrity attendees included Clifton Collins Jr. of NBC’s new hit drama “The Event,” actor Johnathon Schaech, “Deal or No Deal” model Leyla Milani, Michael Ward (musician/author), actor Jacob Vargas, Cisco Adler (musician), Sevier Crespo (actor, producer and writer) and television host & model Renée Herlocker (red carpet MC for the event).

In addition, the following professional athletes attended the event: Jim Everett (former NFL quarterback), Brian Lopes (world champion cyclist), Felix Sanchez (Olympic gold medal hurdle winner), Ernesto Fonseca (Motocross racer), Mike Lansford (retired NFL player), Samuel Hübinette (professional race car driver and stunt driver), Stephen Murray (BMX Rider) and Brett Hughes (Lacrosse player).

During the event, attendees had a chance to learn poker from the following professional players: Kenna James, Michelle Lau, Annie Duke, Joe Reitman and Chad Brown. The winners of the poker tournament included Michelle Lau, Kenna James and Jim Everett.

TACA and the families we serve would like to thank the following sponsors for their support:

• Midwest Insurance Company
• Buchanan Street Partners
• InhouseIT
• Orange County Business Group
• Jim Everett Company
• Kirkman Group
• Oakley
• Oxyhealth
• Microsemi
• Global Languages
• NexGen Digital
• Adams & Associates
• Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth
• Amen Clinics
• Elizabeth McCoy, Esquire

TACA would also like to thank the following in kind donors:

• Commerce Casino
• Michael Voorhees Photography
• Cinematic
• Trey Jarvis
• Winspire

Last year’s Ante Up for Autism raised approximately $200,000 (gross). More information about this year’s event is located at www.anteupforautism.org.

About Talk About Curing Autism

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides support, education and information, and resources to over 20,000 families across the United States who are touched by autism. One in every 91 children in the United States has autism. TACA provides the largest national telephone and email response team for parents who have a child affected by autism. 95 percent of TACA’s programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings, parent mentoring, and the Autism Journey Guide. TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help people with autism be the best they can be. Additional information is available at tacanow.org.