FIREFLY AUTISM 

Lakewood 

News: It’s no secret that Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce CEO Simone Ross has a way with words; just ask anyone who has seen her in action at her side gig as a fundraising auctioneer with The Gala Team. 

She knows how to reel in the big bids by using humor, compliments, and tug-at-your-heart examples of how the money that is raised will make an impact. 

Every tool of her trade came out when she opened the program at Firefly Autism’s 15^th Luminescent Gala, which took place April 23 and was chaired by retired oil and gas executive Tim Morris and Arabic-English-French interpreter and educator Tamara Saad. 

Looking out at the Firefly supporters who filled an exquisitely decorated Seawell Ballroom, Ross acknowledged that “The room is beautiful, the energy is palpable and I know I am in the right place to help do some good.” 

Dr. Amanda Kelly, Firefly’s president/CEO, agreed, telling guests that “You being here reflects a shared belief that individuals with autism deserve a voice, to know they are not forgotten.” 

Supporters like those gathered that night, Kelly added, have enabled Firefly to reach “A moment where we can go farther than we ever thought before.” 

Highlights of the evening included presentation of the Max Appel Luminescence Award to John Griffith and the Autism Advocacy Award to the Colorado Joint Budget Committee. 

Griffith, the founder of Alpine Waste & Recycling, has been involved with Firefly since 2007, when his son, Jack, enrolled there. He is a past chair of Firefly’s board of directors and continues to serve on the board finance committee. 

“Firefly offers a lifeline,” Griffith said, and “Today, Jack is a happy, regulated young man, thanks to Firefly.” 

The Colorado Joint Budget Committee, chaired by state Rep. Emily Sirota, was recognized for providing the analysis that helped inform legislative leaders who stood together to protect essential support for autism services statewide.  

As was noted in the souvenir program, “Today, autism touches more lives than ever before. One in 36 individuals in the United States are diagnosed (as being) on the spectrum. This growing number underscores the importance of building a world where neurodiversity is embraced and every individual has the opportunity to shine.” 

John Tobey Events set the fundraiser’s mood with lighting and special effects that included tables that alternated between round, square and rectangular and were set with floral centerpieces by Rly Rly Studio in warm shades of orange, coral and gold. 

Prior to sitting down to a beef tenderloin dinner catered by Epicurean, guests could socialize over cocktails, graze at the chef-curated hors d’oeuvre stations set up on the ballroom perimeter and enjoy music by members of the Colorado Youth Symphony and the Vocal Coalition Youth Choir. 

Net proceeds were still being tallied at press time, but all indications point toward an amount that is significant.  

The lone live auction item, a deluxe Los Cabos stay for 10, donated by Cuvee, the gala’s presenting sponsor, sold twice, for $28,000 each. And the paddle-raise exceeded its $177,000 goal, thanks in large part to a $100,000 match offered by a Firefly supporter who chose to remain anonymous. Silent auction proceeds, along with ticket sales and sponsorships, will add to the grand total. 

About the organization: Firefly Autism is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive, lifelong support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Each Firefly “learner” receives one-on-one support from Firefly’s highly qualified staff, working through individualized educational plans and instructional goals to maximize learning potential and success. 

Website: fireflyautism.org 

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