April 24, 2010 fifth annual Pieces of the Puzzle Gala.

Jamie Burke, Brandon Beck, and Guiliana Watson Enthrall Attendees at the Pieces of the Puzzle Gala

On Saturday, April 24, the Howard County Autism Society together with the Hussman Foundation hosted the fifth annual Pieces of the Puzzle Gala at the Hotel @ Turf Valley in Ellicott City.  Always a spectacular evening, this year’s event was memorable for its unique theme of “Celebrating the Arts.”

The gala provides the Howard County Autism Society a special moment to celebrate the achievements of our community and to thank many of our loyal supporters.  At the gala this year, the “Community Partner of the Year” award was given to Susan Potts, director of therapeutic and integration services at the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, for her dedication to including individuals with autism and special needs in all program offerings.  HCAS was also afforded the opportunity to thank four special honorees, Deborah Clutts, Ruth Huffman, Elaine McAuliffe, and Louann Spring for their many years of service to the organization as past members of the board of directors.

The highlight of the evening was a speech by Jamie Burke.  Burke, currently a Syracuse University student, was diagnosed with severe autism when he was 3 and learned to speak many years later using a technique called facilitated communication.  Burke spoke to the audience about a sense of belonging that all individuals desire, and the importance of creating learning environments that are sensory-friendly to students with autism.

Among the arts performances at the gala, guests were treated to a piano solo by local artist Brandon Beck, a young man on the autism spectrum and a ballet performance by Giuliana Watson, 17 of the Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland.

Beck’s classical piano performance at the gala drew on his training as a student at the Peabody Preparatory, where he was encouraged as a musician to aspire to his highest potential.  This is in keeping with the love and support that Beck has received from his parents, Pamela and Steve, who have always encouraged their son in his development of all of his talents and interests.  Says Pam Beck, “When Brandon performs on the piano, it really transforms him.  Normally a bit on the quiet side, when he plays piano in front of an audience, he becomes a ham.  We all can tell he really enjoys every minute of it!”  More on Beck is available in the local artist feature of the Winter 2010 issue of Perspectives.

The ballet danced by Watson was created by Ballet Royale founder and nationally recognized choreographer, Donna Pidel.  Ms. Pidel’s work draws on her energy and understanding of parenting a child on the autism spectrum.  When asked to choreograph the short dance piece for the HCAS gala, Ms. Pidel was inspired to create a work that would celebrate the creativity and beauty of each individual on the autism spectrum.  She choose to choreograph the dance to a popular music piece called “Bring Me to Life” sung by a Welsh singer, Catherine Jenkins.  Says Pidel, “Sometimes it seems as if individuals on the autism spectrum are invisible in our society, because of the way they present themselves to those who do not know them well.  But this is just a façade.  If we can get beyond that façade we all see that there is a radiant, unique person inside.” 

Gracing the gala were a multitude of artworks on display showcasing the talent of the students and friends of the Howard County Autism Society.  “Artistic expression arises naturally in our development and is a particularly important mode of thought and communication,” says Cedar Lane Art Program teacher, Gena Luoma.  Commenting on the significance of the diverse works on display at the gala, Luoma also noted, “Each piece is a statement from the artist which demonstrates his or her uniqueness in a way that perhaps that could not be communicated verbally.” HCAS truly thanks the following programs and their students for allowing us to display their art pieces: the Cedar Lane Elementary School Art Program, the Linwood Center, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Towson University’s Center for Adults with Autism.

The success of the gala would not have been possible without the help of HCAS many members and friends.  Among the community leaders lending their support to HCAS were many of Howard County’s public officials, including Executive Ken Ulman, Maryland State Delegate Guy Guzzone, and Howard County Councilman Greg Fox.

There was a record number of items donated to the live and silent auction, all made possible through the hard work and dedication of the auction committee.  Special thanks goes to Auction Committee Co-chairs, Lori Krausz and Madhu Thibadeau, as well as their committee of enthusiastic volunteers: Debbie Clutts, Hope Couser, Karen Neal, Bridget Pettebone, Beth Rupeiks, Erin Welch and the entire HCAS board of directors.  The event also benefited from the donation of time and energy from Bob Barget, Beth Benevides-Hill, Sherri Braxton-Lieber, Patrick Boxall, Bobby Dietrich, Maita de Leon, Steve Lewicky, Gena Luoma, Caitlin Hancock, Candy Hancock, Jim Hancock, Andy Hanks, Christi Hanks, Kim Kallini, Sandra MacMahon, Shaun MacMahon, Kim Manning, Ted Manning, Dana Riley, Ron Riley, Andy Williams, Jen Williams, and Phi Sigma Sigma from the University of Maryland who assisted with the event set-up/clean-up, registration and the live and silent auction check out. HCAS member, Kristen Detwiler also generously volunteered her time to coordinate a number of auction item contributions and resource donations to HCAS for the gala.  The audio visual and D.J. services were arranged by HCAS members, Reed and Kellie Racette and contributed by HCAS supporter, Lyle Spain.

HCAS extends our appreciation to the many businesses and individuals who provided sponsorships and donations to our event.  Monies raised directly fund the daily operation of the Howard County Autism Resource Center—the only county-based autism resource center in the greater Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area. Funds also are raised for autism training for hospital employees, police, first responders, library personnel, camp companions, teachers and many others; free social opportunities for individuals and families with autism; and numerous workshops and seminars presented by nationally recognized autism experts, among them Temple Grandin, Lynn Koegel, Pete Wright, Paula Kluth, Stephen Shore, and Michelle Garcia Winner.

Thanks to all who attended, volunteered and contributed resources to make the gala a wonderful evening!  We look forward to seeing you at our next celebration.

For those of you who were unable to attend the gala or for those who wish to re-visit the inspiring speeches given by John Hussman and Jamie Burke, please click on the appropriate links.

Gala Sponsors

Title Sponsor: The Hussman Foundation

Friends: Mr. and Mrs. John Benevides, Howard County General Hospital

Supporters: Ascend One, Mr. and Mrs. John Clutts, The Lisa Higgins Hussman Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Kristopher Krausz, The Hotel at Turf Valley

Donors: Alliance; Apple Ford; Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny ; Kristen Detwiler; The Christina Haugh Giving Fund; Humanim, Inc.; Kelly and Associates Insurance Group; Lee, Sipe and Associates; Law Offices of Mark B. Martin, P.A.; Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Pidel

Contributors: BB&T, Mr. and Mrs. David Foote, L. Kathleen Maley, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Stamm, Thomas Jones Consulting, LLC, Alexandra Valsamakis and Andy Golden, Sandy Van Oosten, Walmart Columbia