ArtComedy for Kids with Autism benefit is a grand success

Over 700 guests enjoyed fine art, gourmet food and hilarious stand-up comedy at May’s ArtComedy for Kids with Autism benefit, an evening in support of Oak Hill School and the Ryder Foundation.  Chef Joey Altman and Oak Hill’s students served Panini sandwiches alongside other featured restaurants Frantoio, Fresca and Perbacco.  Dana Carvey and friends, including Mark Pitta, kept the laughs coming all night long.

The event raised over $260,000 for the organizations, including $45,000 to build a state-of-the-art playground at Oak Hill’s new facility in San Anselmo.  Many thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters for an incredible night!

On September, 16th at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, acclaimed educator Dr. Barbara Firestone discussed her book, Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge and its message of hope and support for families.  Dr. Firestone is the CEO of The Help Group, which has become the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit organization serving children with autism and other special needs.

Dr. Firestone also presented the work of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.  As Vice Chair of the task force, she informed the audience about the commission’s findings and their implications for individuals with autism and their families.

Oak Hill sponsors presentation by Dr. Barbara Firestone of the Help Group

On September, 16th at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, acclaimed educator Dr. Barbara Firestone discussed her book, Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge and its message of hope and support for families.  Dr. Firestone is the CEO of The Help Group, which has become the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit organization serving children with autism and other special needs.

Dr. Firestone also presented the work of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.  As Vice Chair of the task force, she informed the audience about the commission’s findings and their implications for individuals with autism and their families.

Comedy for Kids benefit a wild succes, from Matier & Ross in the San Francisco Chronicle

Rock the house: Quite an event at the Regency Center the other night, with gut-busters Dana Carvey and Robin Williams taking center stage together for more than an hour at a benefit for the Ryder Foundation and the Oak Hill School for autistic children in Marin County.

"Following Robin Williams is like having Bruce Springsteen open up for you in concert," Carvey told the crowd, which had already been wined and dined by TV chef Joey Altman and celeb chefs Gordon Drysdale, Daniel DeLong and Elizabeth Falkner.

But the real hit of the night - which was emceed by Marin funny man Mark Pitta - came when Cabo Wabo Tequila rocker Sammy Hagar hopped on stage with hedge fund manager Larry Goldfarb and each pledged $50,000 on the spot.

(For more on the bash, check out Phil Bronstein's new blog, Bronstein at Large at sfgate.com.