A letter from gala co-chairs, Jennifer and Mark Weintraub When Kelli Embler invited us to be co-chairs of this year s Light it up Blue Gala, we did no

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1 Third Annual Light It Up Blue Gala 2013 Sponsorship Packet

2 A letter from gala co-chairs, Jennifer and Mark Weintraub When Kelli Embler invited us to be co-chairs of this year s Light it up Blue Gala, we did not hesitate for a moment before agreeing. As parents of two wonderful young boys, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, we know full well the importance of Autism Speaks efforts dedicated to autism research, advocacy, and awareness. It is hard to believe almost a decade has passed since we first noticed our son s unusual behaviors and developmental delays. At the time, we felt so alone, with no one to turn to but our own families for support. We were determined to pursue any and every available option for our son. We were fortunate enough to have those options access to numerous autism spectrum disorder specialists, excellent treatment, insurance that covered many services, and the financial resources to pay for the services that weren t covered. Too many families and children are not so fortunate. Without information and awareness, the early signs of an autism spectrum disorder go undiagnosed. Even if diagnosed, a lack of professionals or inadequate health insurance coverage precludes the necessary treatment. Devoid of treatment and advocates, children on the spectrum and their families become isolated in a world that may not understand. It doesn t have to be this way. And that is why we are chairing and sponsoring this important event. It is why we are sharing our story and lending our time and energy to help Autism Speaks carry out its important mission. This is why we are asking for your help! Please lend a hand to make this the must attend charity event of the Spring (with Jen running the show, is there really any doubt?) and, in doing so, help Autism Speaks in its mission to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. Join us as sponsors today and help us achieve our goal of 300 attendees and $100,000 in funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and our fantastic silent and live auctions. We look forward to seeing you Friday, May 10, 2013, at The Depot at Extravaganza for the Third Annual Light it up Blue Gala benefiting Autism Speaks of the Carolinas. It is going to be an amazing event. Jennifer and Mark Weintraub

3 Sponsorship Opportunities Sapphire Sponsor: $10,000 ($9,250 is tax-deductible) Full-page ad or message in Gala program Company name included in press releases, publications, and any media mentions Advertisement via Facebook and campaigns to over 25,000 individuals Company website listed on event website Prominent signage displayed at event Priority reserved seating for 10 with company logo on table Topaz Sponsor: $5,000 ($4,250 is tax-deductible) Half-page ad or message in Gala program Advertisement via Facebook and campaigns to over 25,000 individuals Company website listed on event website Prominent signage displayed at event Priority reserved seating for 8-10 with bottle service Aquamarine Sponsor: $2,000 ($1,250 is tax-deductible) Quarter-page ad or message in Gala program Priority reserved seating for 10 with company logo or individual name on table Turquoise Sponsor: $750 ($450 is tax-deductible) Name in Gala program Name or company logo displayed on either food, beverage, or dessert station 4 event tickets Jonah s Friends: $350 ($150 is tax-deductible) Name in Gala program 2 event tickets Individual tickets can be purchased for the price of $125 ($50 tax-deductible).

4 Sponsorship Opportunities Name List in print as Corporation Address City State Zip Telephone Sponsorship Opportunities: Sapphire Sponsor $10,000 Topaz Sponsor $5,000 Aquamarine Sponsor $2,000 Turquoise Sponsor $750 Jonah s Friends $350 Payment Info: Enclosed is my check made payable to Autism Speaks I will submit my sponsorship payment online at events.autismspeaks.org/charlottegala Please Charge my credit card Name on card Card number Expiration date Security Code Signature Please send completed form and an electronic version of company logo (if applicable) and send to Lauren.Kidder@AutismSpeaks.org or: Autism Speaks Carolinas 4530 Park Road, Suite 320 Charlotte, NC Form and company logo must be received by Monday, March 30th to be included in all sponsorship benefits Contact Kelli Embler at or Lauren Kidder at with questions.

5 About Autism Speaks Our mission At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raise public awareness about autism, and to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. Did you know 1 in 70 children in North Carolina are now diagnosed with autism 1 in 43 boys in North Carolina are now diagnosed with autism More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the United States In North Carolina, there is no legislation requiring insurance agencies to cover autism- related therapies There is no medical detection or cure for autism Autism Speaks local impact in the Carolinas In 2012, committed 1.5 million dollars to science research and community grants in North and South Carolina. Since 2008, has provided over 2,000 families, schools, and physicians a variety of Family Services Toolkits. In 2012, gave over 60 ipads to families and classrooms throughout North and South Carolina. Provides a free week-long soccer camp for children and young adults with autism. Organizes state-wide push in North Carolina to urge legislators to require insurance coverage for autism-related therapies. To learn more about Autism Speaks visit