Imagine A Way’s Gala Raises Funds to Provide Autism Therapies for Austin Families

Imagine A Way, Austin’s non-profit resource providing support for critical therapies for families of children with autism, held their annual gala on September 14 at the Four Seasons Hotel. The gala raised $463,000. The theme was “Cocktails & Kicks,” and guests paired their favorite sneaker’s with cocktail attire. The street chic décor included neon detail and bedazzled sneaker centerpieces. Four Seasons served up a delicious dinner of short ribs, and guests danced the night away after the program and auction.

The primary role of Imagine A Way is to help families offset the costs of critical therapies that have proven to have the most significant impact in a child’s lifelong success, so that families can realize their child’s full potential. Since their founding in 2010, they have helped over 155 children in central Texas and funded over 420,000 therapy hours for a total spend of $2.5 million.  Due to their success, a Houston chapter formed a second Imagine A Way two years ago, which has also gained much traction. 

Therapies can include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more one-on-one support for children on the autism spectrum. These therapies are costly, and the out-of-pocket expenses can be large even when covered by insurance. However, they are proven to make significant improvements physically, verbally and emotionally when given during these early childhood years.

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Keith Maples and Nikki Maples (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Mark Hopkins and Shelley Hopkins (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Kody Silva, Sarah Gilbreath, Jake Gilbreath, Heidi Heinrich, Ilana Tanner and Lisa Samuels (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Lauren Petrowski (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Joel Price and Kyle Wakefield (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Jake Gilbreath and Sarah Gilbreath (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Gail Cali and Vince Vali (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Gabby Curtis, Drew Curtis, Mersaydes Curtis, Reed Curtis, Shelby Curtis and Beau Curtis (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Dale Holder, Charlie Harris, Kevin Holder and Jonathan Gard (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Dale Holder and William Niels (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Chad Cantwell and Sara Jane Cantwell (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Angela Stout, Kelly Fritsch and Clay Fritsch (photo by Jeff Loftin)

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Karl Wicksham, Natalie Weaver, Lew Curatolo, Jacob Price, Randy Price (photo by Jeff Loftin)

Kyle Wakefield was the keynote speaker at the gala. He has made headlines for his enthusiasm as the student manager for the basketball team at Ole Miss, and has inspired millions with his positivity and hard-working attitude in now-viral videos.

Sarah Gilbreath, Vice President of Imagine A Way, said: “I have personally seen how early intervention therapies can make a massive difference in the life of a child and their family, both in my own family and now watching other’s reap the benefits.  I am so grateful that we have these resources in Austin, Texas and that we are able to provide resources to those who need them.”