Archive
12th Annual New York Celebrity Golf Challenge Raises $886,000
Event Co-Chairs Kevin and Susan Murray thank the many supporters in attendance.
Autism Speaks’ New York Celebrity Golf Challenge celebrated its 12th anniversary with an exciting day of golf at the esteemed Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. on Monday, June 28, 2010. The event raised over $886,000 for Autism Speaks with celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment and media participating. The day included an afternoon shotgun start at Winged Foot’s challenging East and West courses.
This year’s celebrity players and attendees included former quarterback and current studio analyst for CBS’s “The NFL Today” Boomer Esiason, NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, “Gossip Girl” star Matthew Settle, New York Giants’ Michael Boley , “Rescue Me” star James McCaffrey, and “Late Show with David Letterman” announcer Alan Kalter. Also on hand were actors Gregg Bello and Chris Jackson, former NFL players Howard Cross, Phillippi Sparks, Jeremy Lincoln, Corey Louchiey and William Ard, former New York Islander Pat Flatley and comedian Gary Cannon. The tournament included several course contests, as well as a celebrity putting contest with football great Boomer Esiason and “Rescue Me” star James McCaffrey, and a million dollar shootout.
The evening dinner reception included a silent and a live auction that offered opportunity to help fund autism research and family services initiatives. Honorary Co-chairs and Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright rolled highlights from the first annual and highly successful “Light It Up Blue” initiative on World Autism Awareness Day. Autism Speaks Board Member Kevin Murray shared a personal video about why he and his wife Susan have co-chaired this event every year since 1999. The Murrays have helped raise nearly $10 million since 1999.
Read a blog post by Autism Speaks’ staffer Kerry Magro, who participated in the day’s events.
American Image Awards Honor Autism Speaks Co-founders
On Wednesday, May 26, Autism Speaks Co-founders, Suzanne and Bob Wright, were honored at the 32nd Annual American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) American Image Awards in New York City. The Wrights received the 2010 Humanitarian Award for their work in promoting autism research, science, awareness and advocacy. Autism Speaks was the AAFA’s charity partner of choice, receiving 40% of the evening’s proceeds.
The event was hosted by Tinsley Mortimer and paid tribute to fellow honorees Li & Fung, Steve Madden, John Bartlett, Fern Mallis, Gap Inc., and Shopbop.com. Some of the evening’s presenters included Joe Zee, Robert Verdi, Cynthia Rowley, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Tom Brokaw. Other notables in attendance included Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen of “The Real Housewives of New York City” and Whitney Port and Roxy Olin from MTV’s hit show, “The City.”
Check out a photo gallery on Guest of a Guest.
Palm Beach Civic Association names Bob Wright new CEO
Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright has been selected as the new chairman and CEO of the Palm Beach Civic Association. Read an article in the Palm Beach Daily News about his appointment.
Autism Speaks Co-Founders Featured in Leaders Magazine
Bob and Suzanne Wright sit down with Leaders Magazine to discuss the genesis of Autism Speaks.
Wrights Attend DAN! Conference
From left, Bob Wright, Stephen Walker, Ph.D., assistant professor at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Arthur Krigsman, M.D., assistant professor of Pediatrics at NYU School of Medicine, Katie Wright, Suzanne Wright, Andrew Levinson, M.D.
Read posts about the DAN! conference from Pat Kemp of Autism Speaks, Dr. Alessio Fasano, M.D., Dr. Simon G. Gregory, Ph.D., and Dr. Judy Van de Water, Ph.D.
Suzanne Wright Honored with the 2010 Women of Vision Award
On March 10, Autism Speaks’ Co-Founder, Suzanne Wright, was honored with the 2010 Women of Vision Award from the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. Autism Speaks Marks 5th Anniversary, Feb. 25, 2010
Five years ago today Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright appeared on the Today Show to discuss the founding of Autism Speaks. Since then, it has grown into the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Visit www.autismspeaks.org to learn more.
Read a press release commemorating the anniversary and view a complete list of Autism Speaks accomplishments over the past five years.
Autism Speaks’ Co-Founders Named to Palm Beach Elite Top 100 Philanthropists List
Autism Speaks’ Co-Founders, Bob and Suzanne Wright, have been named to the Palm Beach Elite Top 100 Philanthropists List.
BOB AND SUZANNE WRIGHTWhy: Before Bob and Suzanne, families of autistic children had no advocates. The Wrights changed that when they founded Autism Speaks, the first organization to address what is now a widespread affliction of children. In addition, Bob has worked with the Archdiocese of New York to raise money for inner-city Catholic schools and is active with the Damon Runyon Cancer Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and the Society of New York Hospital Inc. Suzanne’s other past charitable interests included the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Laura Pels Foundation, the Inner-City Foundation for Charity and Education, and the Champions of caring Project. In 2008, the couple was named to the Time 100 list.
Check out coverage from the Palm Beach Daily News (“The Shiny Sheet”).
Retired president of NBC; executive
Bob and Suzanne Wright Honored by the American Ireland Fund, at the 2010 Emerald Island Dinner Dance in Palm Beach
On Thursday, February 11, Autism Speaks Co-founders, Bob and Suzanne Wright, were honored by the American Ireland Fund with the Humanitarian of the Year award. They received this award in honor of their dedication in creating worldwide awareness for the great needs of the global autism community.Palm Beach Society Magazine Features Autism Speaks Co-founders
The January 29 issue of Palm Beach Society magazine features a cover story about Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright. The Wrights will be honored by the American Ireland Fund on Thursday, February 11 with the Fund’s Humanitarian of the Year award. They are receiving this award in honor of their dedication in creating worldwide awareness for the great needs of the global autism community.
For more details, see the cover and read the article on the Palm Beach Society’s site.
