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Events
Save the Dates for a great AFAM event!
Then, for your summer pleasure, on Sunday, August 8, 2010 AFAM has planned a fabulous club date at the C-Note at Nantasket Beach (Hull), from 2 to 9 p.m., with a terrific group of bands. Thanks to the generosity of the bands and club owner, Charlie Fruzzetti, this event will raise funds to support AFAM’s ongoing advocacy. More details later, but be sure to mark your calendars and plan to join us.
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Previous Events
On Friday, May 14, 2010, Executive Committee Members and supporters of AFAM enjoyed a great performance at Showcase Live in Foxboro, MA with The Jazz Masters starring Karrin Allyson and Jay Geils. AFAM sold tickets to the show and held a silent auction that included Red Sox tickets, an Au Bon Pain basket, a foursome at Pinehills Golf Course and several other great items. Proceeds from the event totaled close to $2,000 and will help support AFAM’s mission. AFAM would like to thank the following for their donation to the auction: Showcase Live, Au Bon Pain, Pinehills Golf Course, The Main Course, The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation, Christine Delany and Alan Saks of Dorchester Tire Service.
The Development Committee: Marcy Wenning, Michael Borr, Lisa Borges, Sue Linehan, Laura Osborne and Christine Delany.
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 On April 14, 2010, hundreds of family members, advocates, and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) packed the Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House on Autism Awareness Day. These dedicated individuals gathered to hear updates on pending legislation, and to meet with their state Senators and Representatives and their staffs to urge them to maintain critical services.
 During the program, a number of speakers delivered heartfelt presentations about critical services and how they have allowed a loved one with ASD to obtain needed services, find employment, and make the most of their abilities despite their diagnosis with ASD. Paula Ebben of WBZ-TV news served as Emcee, and AFAM leaders and other parents told their compelling personal stories on how these services have had a positive impact on their lives. Speakers Linda Davis and Chris Hubbard addressed the lack of adult services, an issue which is becoming more critical as the number of individuals with ASD who turn 22 is increasing dramatically. Representative Barbara L'Italien gave an overview of pending legislation, including ARICA, and announced that Senator Fred Berry and Representative Mary Walz were chosen as the AFAM Legislators of the Year. Elin Howe, Commissioner of the Department of Developmental Services, was awarded the AFAM Impact & Achievement Award for her leadership during this difficult fiscal climate.
Volunteers then patrolled the halls of the State House, meeting with their legislators and staff members to urge them to continue level funding for critical budgetary priorities to maintain essential services for individuals with ASD and their families, and support pending legislation for insurance coverage for diagnosis and proven therapies for ASD, and for teacher training for alternative communication methods.
Thanks to all who came out in support of this great event.
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