MTV show star to perform at GWR Sunshine Foundation event
Every year, one in 150 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders – more than juvenile diabetes, child cancers and Down syndrome combined.
Omaha’s GWR Sunshine Foundation was established to serve as a catalyst for providing assistance to families concerning the challenges of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs.
On Sunday, June 1, the foundation will host its 7th annual dinner and oral auction fundraiser at the Union Pacific Center beginning at 5 p.m. Proceeds from that event and a golf tournament at Shadow Ridge Country Club on June 2 will benefit the autism programs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.
The featured speaker for the evening will be 17-year-old Elijah Wapner, who will entertain the crowd with his comedy act about autism.
Wapner has Asperger’s syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction. But with the help of humor, he has learned to overcome those difficulties. A portion of his journey into standup comedy was featured in an episode of MTV’s “True Life” titled “I Have Autism.”
Since the show, Wapner or “Mr. Inevitable” as he likes to be called has started studying drama at the Stella Adler Teenage Acting Conservatory in New York City.
“Studying humor and performing on stage has helped him to develop a greater social understanding and real-world social skills,” said his mother, Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D., who also has Asperger’s syndrome. “Basically, he has learned to communicate.”
Paradiz, author of the book “Elijah’s Cup” — a memoir on the cultural views of autism — will accompany her son to Omaha and speak about his journey as well as her own with autism.
“This is what we do, help people raise awareness about autism in their communities and raise money for programs and services,” she said. “This is our commitment to the autism community.”
Last year, the fundraiser garnered over $600,000 for MMI’s autism programs.
“Year after year, the proceeds raised from this event are an inspiration to parents of children with autism, including myself,” said Gail Werner-Robinson, founder and CEO of GWR Wealth Management LLC and mother of two autistic sons, Jared, 22, and Cleighton, 15. “Our children’s needs for programs and services are boundless, but it is because of the generous gifts of others that they can begin to reach their full potential.”
With the financial support of the GWR Sunshine foundation, MMI’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders has been able to offer scholarship support to families whose children are served by the early intervention and severe behavior autism programs at MMI; stipends for children seen in the MMI autism diagnostic clinic; and social skills clubs for youths with Asperger’s syndrome.
“Over the past three years, the MMI Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders has become known and respected for its capacity to evaluate children and provide unique services not available elsewhere,” said Annie Bird, coordinator of the MMI Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. “This development has occurred with the substantial support of the GWR Sunshine Foundation.”
Dick Holland, a retired Omaha advertising executive who is one of the leading philanthropists in the community, will serve as the honorary chair for this year’s dinner.
Holland was recognized at last year’s event for his major contributions to the GWR Sunshine Foundation.
To view clips of Elijah’s MTV True Life episode that aired in March 2007
or to purchase a DVD of his comedy acts, visit www.mrinevitable.com
To learn more about Dr. Paradiz’s book, “Elijah’s Cup,” visit www.valerieparadiz.com
Sunday, June 1
GWR Sunshine Foundation Dinner and Oral Auction
Presentation of “Help is Hope” award
Union Pacific Center, 1400 Douglas St. in Omaha
5 p.m. – cocktails and silent auction
6 p.m. – dinner
7:30 p.m. – oral auction
Dress is business attire. Valet parking is available.
Individual seats are $200 ($115 tax deductible). A table for 10 is $1,900 ($1,050 tax deductible).
Monday, June 2
GWR Sunshine Foundation Golf Classic
Shadow Ridge Country Club, 1501 S. 188th Plaza in Omaha
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – registration and lunch
1 p.m. – shotgun start, shamble or scramble format
Single player costs $325
Foursome costs $1,300
To RSVP or to receive information on our sponsorship opportunities: contact Bridget Cannon-Hale at (402) 496-7200 or bcannonhale@gwrwealth.com or go to www.gwrsunshinefoundation.org.
UNMC is the only public health science center in the state. Its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through their commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading centers in cancer, transplantation biology, bioterrorism preparedness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, biomedical technology and ophthalmology. UNMC’s research funding from external sources now exceeds $80 million annually and has resulted in the creation of more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs in the state. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 513 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.