Mother's Day Fundraiser Featuring Leeza Gibbons Raises $50,000 for Autism and Family Caregiver Projects

Newport Beach, Calif. - Entertainment personality and philanthropist Leeza Gibbons and autism activist Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson shared their inspiring personal journeys of adversity and empowerment at a Mother's Day themed fundraiser on May 3 at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast. Almost 200 guests gathered for the joint fundraiser Fearless Women: Mothers & Daughters Moving Mountains that raised approximately 50,000 for ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment) and Leeza's Place.

Leeza's Place is the signature program of the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation founded by TV/Radio personality Leeza Gibbons which provides support for both caregivers and those recently diagnosed with any chronic disease or disorder. Former television producer and mother of an autistic son, Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson is executive director of ACT Today! which provides grants to families with autistic children.

After a spectacular silent auction and champagne reception, the program began with a welcome by ACT Today! founder Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and event sponsor and ACT Today! board member J Ocana. Acknowledgements were then made to honorary chairs Poita and Bill Cernius and Sandy and David Stone & Family. David Stone announced a surprise $100,000 pledge to ACT Today! on behalf of his former business partner's estate.

After the program, Nancy and Leeza signed copies of their books aimed at giving women courage when facing life's challenges. Alspaugh-Jackson co-authored Not Your Mother's Midlife: A Ten Step Guide to Fearless Aging and Fearless Women: Midlife Portraits, which features Leeza Gibbons. Leeza most recently published Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss.

For more information about the event or benefitting organizations, call 818.705.1625 or visit www.act-today.org.

About ACT Today!
ACT Today! was founded in 2005 by leading autistic therapy provider Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and a group of concerned parents. The mission of ACT Today! is to provide funding and support to families who cannot afford therapy treatments for their children to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.act-today.org.

About Leeza's Place
Leeza Gibbons and her friend Dr. James Huysman co founded Leeza's Place in 2001 when Leeza's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Leeza's Place is simply a place where family caregivers of loved ones with any chronic illness or disease can get much needed education, empowerment and energy for their frequently overwhelming challenges. For more information, visit www.leezasplace.org.

The Crowd: Women speak on autism, Alzheimer's

By B.W. Cook - Daily Pilot - Wednesday, May 12, 2010

They call themselves “Fearless Women.” Last week the “mothers and daughters who move mountains” joined with husbands and other assorted male companions for a luncheon at the Resort at Pelican Hill. They came to raise funds benefiting two very different medical needs: autism and Alzheimer’s disease. And, they came to hear the inspirational message of two close friends, both personalities from the world of television: Leeza Gibbons and Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson. Both champion the search for help on behalf of autistic children and adults fighting dementia associated with Alzheimer’s. read more

It was a spectacular day! Thanks to all of the sponsors, donors and attendees for making it a successful luncheon! Watch this video from the event:

Photos from last year's event