The theme of this year's Imagine a Way (IAW) Gala, “Mad Money for a Mission”, inspired by the iconic TV show Mad Men, transported nearly 300 guests back in time to the advertising world of Manhattan’s Madison Avenue in the 1960s. Attendees, dressed in stylish business and party attire of the era, enjoyed dining and dancing at The Four Seasons Hotel, raising over $426,000 to fund IAW’s goal of supporting families whose children (ages 2-7) are affected by autism.
The mission of IAW is to provide ongoing financial support so that families can afford often costly therapies for their children. Their network of resources provides various treatments, including speech, physical, and occupational therapies, as well as one-on-one support. These therapies have been proven to significantly benefit children with Austin Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when given during early childhood.
In true 1960’s style, cocktail hour included Old Fashioneds and on-demand martinis served ”shaken, not stirred”, in classic James Bond style. Trevor Scott of CBS’s We are Austin emceed the event, and guests enjoyed a dinner of Beef Wellington and dancing to the sounds of the Big Night Jazz Band.
A live auction offered guests the chance to bid on exotic getaways, including vacation homes in France, San José del Cabo, and Costa Rica, as well as U.S. destinations such as Lake Tahoe, Crested Butte, Jackson Hole, and Utah.
The inspiring program featured a heartfelt address by Adam Weinzimer, owner of Training Wheels ABA, which provides clinical services for children in the Austin area who have ASD. He reflected on his late father’s involvement with IAW and the profound impact that IAW has had on children and families in his clinic.
Since its 2010 founding, IAW has served over 170 children in Central Texas, providing more that 420,000 therapy hours, totaling $2.36 million. The agency has been so successful that a Houston chapter was formed in 2023. For more information, visit www.imagineaway.org
Photos courtesy of Jeff Loftin
