ACT Today!'s Premiere Fall Autism Fundraiser is Going to the Dogs

CALABASAS, CA, August 25, 2011 (Press-News.org) ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), a national non-profit organization headquartered in Tarzana, California, plans to make its most highly talked about fundraiser, 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism, go to the dogs, figuratively speaking. Throughout the year, ACT Today! gets inundated with requests for assistance dogs from families of children with autism. The need has grown so great, that the premiere event, known for its glitz and glamour, celebrity support and corporate sponsors, will include a paddle auction, which will specifically raise funds for assistance dogs for 12 children with autism from around the country. Arizona Goldens LLC, a non-profit organization that places its dogs in the homes of children with special needs, will feature several of its Golden Retrievers at the event. The event will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the historic Ahmanson Ranch, located at 25345 Mureau Road, in Calabasas, California from 5pm to 11pm.

The 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism, sponsored by TWIW Insurance Services, LLC and Vin Di Bona Productions, 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 humanitarians have led this year's long list of autism supporters for their extraordinary work in supporting ACT Today!'s mission. 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 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism event will feature an outside cocktail reception plus VIP private lounge, which includes a "Red Carpet Makeover", 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 (many from "Dancing with the Stars", including co-host Brooke Burke), dignitaries, past grant recipients and other supporters.

Corporate sponsors include: Diamond sponsors TWIW Insurance Services, LLC and Vin Di Bona Productions, Reaction Audio Visual, Universal City Nissan, UnitedHealthcare, The Auto Gallery of Los Angeles, CodeMetro, City National Bank, New Heights Entertainment, Joe Penich Company Realtors, Michael John Image, ONEHOPE Wine, Blue Angel Vodka, Fireman's Brew, Charity Lives, GLO Hair Salon, AV Party Rentals, Sunshine Florist, Edible Arrangements and Indie Printing.

"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 to help children with autism inspires me to want to do more

The 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism Honorary Committee, includes: Grammy Award-winning recording artist Michael Bolton, Olympic Gold Medal champion skater Kristi Yamaguchi, actor John Ratzenberger, TV host Brooke Burke, actor Kyle Massey, singer Drew Lachey, actor Chris Massey, actress Florence Henderson, NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, NFL Super Bowl XL Most Valuable Player Hines Ward, and retired astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

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! has distributed over $240,000 in grants to families.

For more information about the 6th Annual Denim & Diamonds for Autism, visit: http://www.denimanddiamondsforautism.net.