FIREFLY AUTISM

Lakewood

News: Starting when his son, Duke, was diagnosed with autism at age 3, Christopher Male has been dedicated to driving meaningful change within the autism community.

Forbes, the New York Times, CNBC, and TechCrunch have publicized his groundbreaking efforts. On May 8, the co-founder and managing partner of the Autism Impact Fund became the recipient of Firefly Autism’s 2025 Max Appel Luminescence Award.

Male, who lives in Winter Park, Fla., visited the Firefly campus in Lakewood prior to the dinner event chaired by Aaron and Sandee LaPedis and Randy and Jessen Perko and described what he saw as “Nothing short of amazing. I was blown away by how inclusive you are … and by the joy that I saw. Keep it up, please!”

His son, Male continued, is nonverbal and requires 24/7 care. “We set out with the mission of upending the status quo. We’ve seen what can happen when people come together. That all of you are here tonight truly moves my heart.”

The award named for the late Max Appel, one of Firefly’s most generous supporters, was presented at Laugh Yourself Blue, a dinner and comedy show that for 14 years has been Firefly Autism’s signature fundraiser. Net proceeds are still being tallied, but auctioneer Halie Behr sold three luxury vacations at Cuvee properties in Tuscany, Los Cabos and Beaver Creek for $100,000 and coaxed over $200,000 from the 600-plus guests during the traditional paddle-raise.

Cuvee was the title sponsor for Laugh Yourself Blue.

Aaron and Sandee LaPedis – he is the author of the bestselling book “Garage Sale Millionaire” and the neurodiverse book series “A Boy Named Penguin” – were introduced to Firefly after their son, Logan, was diagnosed with autism. Today, he is on the Dean’s List at Denver Academy and is about to start a full-time job at Blue Star Recyclers, a Denver-based company whose employees have autism or other “disAbilities.”

Jessen Perko is a partner at the Ruddy Gregory law firm, and Randy is the founder of SC Insurance Advisors. Together, they own the Morning Story restaurants.

Dr. Sam Shay, a standup comic and medical professional whose practice centers on helping neurodiverse individuals discover mental clarity, sustained energy, and enhanced resilience, provided the laughs at Laugh Yourself Blue. He was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in his 30s.

Dr. Amanda Kelly, the president/CEO of Firefly Autism, helped the event chairs welcome such guests as board of directors chairwoman Linda Childears and her husband, Don; Cuvee founder/CEO Larry Mueller and his wife, Mary Kay; board treasurer Travis Plakke and his wife, Leigh Sullivan; Andrew Hudson and Christine Marquez-Hudson; David MacLeod and Kasia Iwaniczko MacLeod; John Farnam and Paul Heitzenrater; Auna Jornayvaz and Andrew Wolf; Marco Fields, founder of The Vitiligo Network and her daughter, Jada; and 9News reporter and weekend anchor Lauren Scafidi, the evening’s emcee.

About the organization: The nonprofit Firefly Autism is dedicated to celebrating the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum through learning, support and solutions. At its Lakewood campus, Firefly Autism professionals work one-on-one with individuals from 18 months to over 70 years of age to build innovative, individualized programs and cultivate the meaningful, impactful relationships necessary for them to thrive. “We value our learners for who they are and seek to equip them with the skills and tools they need to navigate their world. Our services are as diverse as those we serve.”

Website: fireflyautism.org

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