"We are very thrilled that the stars are already coming out to join us in May," says Tournament Director, Stefan de Nocker. "This shows that people realize that NOW is the time to help children with autism."
Deidrich Bader says he doesn't golf - but he's definitely driven to help children with autism! That's why this television and film star says he's going to be at Autism Care and Treatment's 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting children with autism. The event will be held on May 17, 2010 at Braemar Country Club, in Tarzana, CA.
Bader will be joined by other celebrities, pro golfers, amateurs, corporate sponsors and the community in hopes of rasising much needed funds for the children with autism whose families can not afford to get them much needed, specialized treatment.
An actor whose tall, rangy build and boyish good looks have made him a natural for comic roles, Diedrich Bader was born in Alexandria, VA, on Christmas Eve 1966; his father, William Bader, was Chief of Staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during the Carter administration, and his mother, Gretta Bader, was a sculptor of note. When Bader was two, he and his family moved to Paris, France, where the boy was exposed to a steady diet of classic American comedies; young Bader was especially fond of Charlie Chaplin, and appeared on-stage for the first time at the age of four, imitating the Little Tramp at a revival theater during an unexpected intermission after a rare Chaplin film jammed in the projector. Bader and his family returned to the United States in time for him to enter high school, and he later attended the North Carolina School for the Arts.
While vacationing in Santa Fe, NM, during spring break, Bader met a casting agent who lined up an audition for a small role in a television pilot. Bader ended up winning the leading role instead, and while the pilot never sold, it did prompt Bader to relocate to Los Angeles and begin pursuing an acting career full-time.
He began landing guest spots on episodic television shows, including Cheers, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. In 1993, Bader was cast as the Searcher on the television series Danger Theater, a short-lived spoof of action-adventure programs. Penelope Spheeris, who directed the Danger Theater episodes, remembered Bader when casting for her film The Beverly Hillbillies (1993), based on the popular sitcom of the '60s and '70s. Bader won the role of cheerful but slow-witted Jethro Bodine, and his performance was one of the comic highlights of the film.
The movie significantly raised Bader's visibility, and in 1995 he was cast as the logically challenged Oswald on The Drew Carey Show. Bader's success on The Drew Carey Show led to notable supporting roles in motion pictures, such as Office Space and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back; he also began doing voice work for a number of animated television projects, including Pepper Ann, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, and Kim Possible.
Charles Downes has confirmed he will join Autism Care and Treatment for its 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, benefiting children with autism. Downes is a race car driver with over 20 years experience on the Professional Road-Racing circuit (IMSA, SCCA Pro, Grand-Am). He has competed nationally in the USA, and internationally in Canada, with additional events in Europe and the Caribbean.
Downes holds the distinction of being 1 of only 3 Afro-Americans to have won at the Professional level in the modern auto racing era since WWII, the other two being Willie T. Ribbs, and Wendell Scott.
"We are thrilled to have Mr. Downes join us for the 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament," says Event Producer Daphne Plump. "He does so much for the community and charities across the globe. And there's no doubt that he is "driven" to help children with autism."
Now, at age 63, enjoying the quieter side of life competing at Celebrity Golf Tournaments. In the recent past accepting invitations from The Southern California Black Chamber Of Commerce, Autism Care and Treatment (ACT Today!), the NAACP Image Awards, the San Felipe Youth Foundation and Universal Golf Foundation Charity Golf Classic - Benefitting Sonshine Hacienda Orphanage in San Felipe, Mexico. More recently, the 9th Copa de Golf Saverios in Tijuana, Mexico.
Downes played in ACT Today's 3rd Annual Tournament in May 2009. He (seen far left) took home the prize for FIRST NET, alongside his golf mates Film Actor Basil Wallace (right), Jim Bernard, Henry Wilson.
The Littlest Golfer, Inc. is a proud supporter of Autism Care and Treatment's 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournamentbenefiting children with autism! The Littlest Golfer has recently come onboard as a sponsor to help spread autism awareness and raise funds for children with autism whose families can not afford the care and treatment their child needs to lead a productive life.
"We are honored to support an organization that is working so hard to meet the needs of children with autism which profoundly affects the lives of so many children and families here in the US and abroad," says Jennifer Maurer, Marketing Director of The Littlest Golfer, Inc.
At The Littlest Golfer, we believe that many of life’s most important lessons can be learned while playing golf. And since children learn best through play, we can’t think of a better way to teach children the skills that will help them succeed in life.
Golf is great fun. It builds strong bodies and strong minds. It also strengthens important character traits such as perseverance, sportsmanship, honesty and discipline. We believe it is never too early to start learning these life skills. As avid golfers and parents of two young golfers, we know how beneficial and fun golf can be—at any age. Unfortunately, quality golf apparel and gear has been largely unavailable for this eager and growing group of golfers.
We created The Littlest Golfer to meet the needs of even the littlest golfers. Our playful Putter and Sandy characters capture the excitement of the first drive, the first sunk putt and, of course, the first par!
Our high-performance golf apparel ensures that once we’ve inspired the journey, kids will have what they need to excel both on and off the golf course.
We are committed to remaining true to the sport that inspires us, which is why we incorporate classic golf motifs into our contemporary apparel, technical fabrics, and innovative and educational products.
By making golf accessible and fun for even the youngest golfers, we hope to strengthen families, neighborhoods and communities.This vision is what keeps us on our game!
Kris & Keri Wilson
Founders of The Littlest Golfer, Inc.
The 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament co-spokesperson Mark Christopher Lawrence , who plays "Big Mike" on Chuck, invited Tournament Executive Producer Daphne Plump and tournament volunteers Suset Garcia and Aenid Reyes to see what he does when he is not helping raise funds for children with autism.
"It was an amazing experience to actually be on the set of the show and watch it all come together," says Tournament Executive Producer Daphne Plump. "All of the actors were very gracious!"
Mark Christopher Lawrence and his fellow actors, Deidrich Bader, Joshua Gomez, Scott Krinsky, and Zachary Levi paused from filming to take pictures (see below).
NBC’s action-comedy series “Chuck” returns to the NBC lineup on Sunday, January 10 with all-new missions and two action-packed, back-to-back original episodes in its season premiere (9-11 p.m. ET) before the series -- starring Zachary Levi in the title role -- moves to its regular day and time (Mondays 8-9 p.m. ET) beginning January 11.
Mark Christopher Lawrence, who plays "Big Mike" on the hit NBC show, Chuck, is ACT Today's 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament co-spokesperson. Lawrence makes millions of people laugh weekly on the NBC show, but he says autism..."is no laughing matter!"
About Mark Christopher Lawrence:
Mark Christopher Lawrence is one of Hollywood's most sought-after character actors. In addition to displaying a variety of theatrical skills, this diverse actor also excels as a producer, a vocalist, and an accomplished stand-up comedian. Best known for his role of Mix Master Tone Def, in the cult classic "Fear of a Black Hat," Lawrence utilized his creative talents as a character actor and besieged audiences in this comical spoof based on "This is Spinal Tap," about a Gangsta Rap group named N.W.H. Most recently, Lawrence's talents can be seen in "The Pursuit of Happyness," alongside Will Smith and on NBC as Big Mike on the hit comedy CHUCK.
Though he is known for his clever characters, Lawrence's true talent is his genuine ability to make others laugh and his indisputable love for people and their well-being. Additionally, he enjoys stimulating awareness for social, political and economical situations through comedy.
Model, broadcaster and race car driver Ashley Van Dyke is co-spokesperson for Autism Care and Treatment's 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, to be held on May 17, 2010 at Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, California. The tournament will raise funds for children with autism.
"I have had so much fun working with Autism Care and Treatment to bring awareness and raise money for children with autism. The charity golf tournament is such an exciting event and I am so grateful to be able to support the cause to help these kids."
About Ashley Van Dyke:Ashley was born and raised in Seattle, Washington into a Motor Racing family. A graduate of the Mario Andretti and Bondurant racing schools, she has competed successfully in numerous rallys and races across North America while maintaining a flourishing career in fashion and broadcasting. Very much at the forefront of the Green transport movement, she has now combined these passions with the establishment of her own company Emerald Sports and Events, promoters and producers of events for sustainable powered vehicles. Eco Advocate, Entrepreneur, Racing Driver and Model, Ashley Van Dyke is the epitome of the 21st century woman.
ACT Today's Annual Golf Tournament Director, Stefan de Nocker, announces the date of next year's golf tournament.
"The 4th annual golf tournament is scheduled for Monday, May 17, 2010," says de Nocker."The charity tournament will return to Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, California where we have called it home for the past three years. We are excited about this tournament as we believe it will be the biggest and the best ACT Today! tournament to date!"
Last year's tournament, held on May 18, 2009, raised over $57,000 (net) for families of children with autism. While de Nocker has not mentioned a monetary goal for the 2010 tournament, he says he hopes to surpass the 2009 proceeds in order to help a greater number of families in need.
About Stefan de Nocker, Tournament Director:
Stefan de Nocker is the Managing Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (C.A.R.D.). Before coming to California, he was working as a civil law trial lawyer and partner of a law firm in Germany. In January of 1994, he moved to the Los Angeles area to help Doreen Granpeesheh develop CARD into one of the leading forces helping children on the autism spectrum all around the world.
While the awareness of autism continues to improve, Stefan feels that too many funds are concentrated on the research of the causes of autism alone. Left behind are the families who are raising affected children right now, for whom the results of the research will be coming too late. That’s why he and Doreen were founding members of ACT Today!, to try to make more funds available to more families who do not get the support they deserve from public sources or insurance companies. “With all the great success that we are having with our work at CARD, what is most frustrating for me is to know that so many more children and families could be helped if only there was enough money to get them into early intervention. But all possible funding sources are under financial constraints and try to push the responsibility away. The families are left alone and thus our society is failing a big part of our next generation. "These kids need our help now!”
Stefan has always been interested in real estate and also manages a company for property investment and development. He is an avid golfer and also volunteers as tournament chairman for the annual ACT Today! golf tournament, which is held every May.
What is ACT Today!’s Mission? Vision? Core Offerings? Values?
ACT Today! is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to increase access to effective autism treatments. Our goal is to introduce and help facilitate early and on-going treatment by providing the necessary resources including guidance, referrals, funding and follow up to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and their families.
Our vision is that all families, regardless of their economic situation, will one day be able to receive the care they need to help their child with autism progress to their highest potential. Current statistics show that 1 in 150 children have autism and these numbers are continuing to rise. The cost of autism on society is currently at 100 billion dollars a year and growing rapidly. Many treatments are not covered by school districts or insurance companies and therefore are prohibitive to many families.
ACT Today! gives these families hope and help as we offer financial grants to qualified families so that their child might receive medical and therapeutic treatments which were previously out of reach.
At ACT Today! we believe each child with autism deserves the opportunity to receive effective treatments in order to help them overcome many of their daily challenges that the business and individual community at large has the power to be ACTivists and can make a significant impact in the lives of children with autism.
that the time to Act is NOW! The lives of today’s children and tomorrow’s generation depend upon treatment today!
Who do you serve? (Demographics of population served)
The majority of our grant recipients come from families that have lower income, are being raised by a single parent or grandparents and reside in an area with limited services. We do not limit our grants according to age, income or region. We provide grants to children and adults as we recognize the need for care and treatment for all autistic individuals. We do not have an income limit as we take into account the number of dependents associated with that income. The income bracket of the majority of our recipients is between $0 - $30,000.
What differentiates ACT Today!’s organization from others?
ACT Today! is unique in that it gives help where it is needed most, directly to the child in need! Each child with autism presents with unique challenges be it verbal, physical or mental limitations. Our program is different as we allow the family to present their “wish” to us. Each request is then thoroughly reviewed and costs are verified. Upon grant acceptance, the family is then able to provide the intervention needed most for their child.
What key accomplishments has ACT Today!’s organization made to further ACT Today!’s cause?
We have raised $300,000 in the last 18 months from our fundraising activities.
How long has ACT Today!’s organization been achieving these positive results for ACT Today!’s cause?
In the last 18 months, we have raised record funds despite a downturn in the economy. We are now looking for corporate sponsors to partner with outside of specific events.
Who currently supports ACT Today!’s organization?(Demographics of supporters)
Because Autism doesn’t discriminate in those it affects, our support comes from a wide variety of sources. We have a long list of corporate sponsors. .In addition, our Board consists of ACT Today’s founder Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, business executives, attorneys, and autism advocates. ACT Today! is also supported by several celebrities such as Tom Bergeron, Lou Diamond Phillips and Leeza Gibbons who are generous to lend us their time and talent at our many newsworthy fundraisers. In addition, ACT Today! is supported by thousands of individuals who understand that the time is now to ACT Today! and to help those in the grips of autism.
How much money would you like to raise from corporate sponsors next year and beyond? (most corporations require proposals at least one year in advance to pre-budget charitable sponsorships - rarely under 6 months)
Exclusive of events, we would like to receive on-going support from corporate sponsors who believe in our mission and our goals. We would like to raise enough funds to double the amount of grants we are able to give each year and further double the amount every year thereafter.
What specific outcomes would these new funds provide for ACT Today!’s charity's clients and community?
We would be able to fund more of our grant requests. We would institute special funds for grants for specific needs (behavior therapy, bio-medical treatment, assisted technology, advocate and attorney services, and we could begin a signature fund to provide SKILLS (a computer based program which allows parents to provide home therapy to their children) http://centerforautism.com/Services/CARD_SKILLS.asp
How will sponsors benefit from contributing to these results and encourage ongoing support?
Our corporate sponsors would have their names prominently presented at our 4-6 major fundraisers each year. Their logo would appear on all Save the Date cards, Invitations, Event Programs and signage not to mention on our website. We would encourage our supporters to patronage these sponsors as a means to thank them for all they are doing to elevate ACT Today! as we continue to do our work of supporting families with autism.
Where can supporters learn about ACT Today!’s achievements, programs and events?
ACT Today! has a website at www.act-today.org which lists our mission as well as all of our current and past events. You can also find us at Facebook and on twitter: www.twitter.com/act_today, respectively. We also have a blog for our annual golf tournament, which can be found at http://golfforautism.blogspot.com/.
What would constitute a successful partnership for you?
A corporate entity with high public visibility, preferably with a logical connection to families and children.
Do you have testimonials from clients served, or past sponsors, to acknowledge ACT Today!’s successes?
Below are a couple testimonials from families that have received an ACT Today! grant for their child.
TESTIMONIALS
Hello ACT Today!:
This letter is long overdue however It has been in my intentions for quite some time. I wanted to thank you and all of the committee members who were instrumental in awarding my son a grant for $2000. Jaivon is currently 14 years old and on the "Autism Spectrum". At the time of the application institutionalization was imminent as he became extremely aggressive and out of control and was recently discharged from a psychiatric hospitalization. The purpose of the grant was to secure additional hours for in-home nurses aid services to assist him with behavior management and activities of daily living. It has been 8 months and I am pleased to say he is still at home and doing much better. He started High School last week (9th grade) and has made a great adjustment. This proves that children on the spectrum can live at home with additional community support. Thank you again. Please feel free to use the photos and my testimony. I am forever grateful.
Rhonda Savain (mother)
--------------------------------------------- Hi ACT Today,
Thank you and the Scholarship Board for the granting of $1000 for Benjamin's initial visit to the DAN! doctor. It was overwhelming to be able to actually start the initial visit. This has put Benjamin on the road to continued recovery and we are forever thankful. See, Benjamin was born with congenital heart defects and has had two open heart surgeries and two heart catheterizations so far. We thought, okay this is something we can get fixed with surgery. Then in February of 2008 we heard the words "he has what's called high-functioning autism or what is also called Asperger's" Our world stopped. How do we fix this? The neuropsychologist evaluation was of no help since we waited 10 months for it to happen and are still waiting for the results 9 months later. I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I started Benjamin with an OT, a Speech Therapist and put him on the GF/CF diet. Now, here we are starting to see a DAN! doctor. I have fought to get where I am with Benjamin, and with your help I am continuing to be able to fight. Thank you so very much guys. You truly are a blessing to our lives.
