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Love it when artists give back

Posted over 2 years ago
I happen to love it when recording artists give back to the community that made them famous. Tonight I have been watching Toni Braxton on Larry King, and she has been talking about her stuggle with her youngest son being diagnosed with autism. She recently was named as the National Celebrity spokesperson for Autism Speaks - an organization dedicated to accelerating and funding biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders. As her first official Spokesperson presentation the new Queen of Las Vegas has announced a star-studded Benefit Concert at New York's Lincoln Center. Legendary entertainer Bill Cosby and six-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Toni Braxton will headline a star-filled night of comedy and music at the Concert for Autism Speaks on April 9 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, in New York City. NBC News' Tom Brokaw will serve as the master of ceremonies for the fundraiser for Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism and raising money to fund autism research .“Autism is a disorder that is robbing families of the chance to fulfill their dreams and experience the everyday joys most of us take for granted,” said Cosby. "For example, many children with autism are very limited in their ability to develop warm relationships with others, including their parents. We all need to do our part so that, with our help, these families will finally get the answers they so desperately seek.”“When autism became a part of my family's reality, I was determined to join Autism Speaksin its battle against this devastating disorder that is impacting thousands of families," said Braxton, who is currently headlining in a long-term engagement at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. The mother of two children, one of whom has autism, went on to say, “So much progress is being made on all fronts – from the laboratory to Capitol Hill -- but all of us must continue to fight until we have found the cause and a cure for autism.”“We are incredibly grateful to Bill and Toni for lending their remarkable talents to us for what promises to be a memorable evening,” said Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. “With the recent passage of the Combating Autism Act, the future is far brighter for every individual and family affected by autism. However, the need to raise funds for awareness, treatment and research is as urgent as ever.”Ticket information for the Concert for Autism Speaks will be made available in the coming weeks at www.autismspeaks.org.

Comments (15)

  1. NeilNathan says neil young does the autism thing as well i believe with that bridge school he set up and does the concert fundraiser for every year good stuff
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  2. Hmmm says It's always great to hear stuff like this. I've got an autistic brother, and it's pretty difficult at times. It astounds me how far autism awareness has come over the last few years.
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  3. Augusts1 says I love me some Toni Braxton! Not only is she talented & gorgeous but seems like such a genuinely sweet person. Such a beautiful voice too.
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  4. Rawkkiddoh says That I did not know Neil, and I am glad you mentioned it. I love Neil Young, and it makes me like him even more now. Hmmm, with a new son in my life its something that I am learning more and more about each day
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  5. Rawkkiddoh says So true August, and here is my name drop for the night. One of my mom's best friends cousin is the one who married Toni. I got to see all the wedding photos, it was a little look into how the rich and famous live.
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  6. Augusts1 says Cool! I bet that was a gorgeous wedding too. What's the guys name she married? I can't recall. That's really great that she is so behind the autism foundation. Having an autistic child basically forced her to get into it though. I wonder what she would've done if it weren't for that?
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  7. Rawkkiddoh says Keri Lewis August, and sometimes it takes a tramatic expeience in your life in order for you to make the effort. If she had not had the autistic child who knows if she would be doing what she is doing. From what I have read on her though, I am sure she would be trying to make a difference somewhere.
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  8. Augusts1 says Oh, I do recall his name now that you mention it cause I saw an article where they were talking about their marriage. Yea, I'm sure she would be doing something of worth charitably. She just seems too nice not to.
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  9. dandy lion says Wow Rawkiddo, thanks so much for the post. Our son was diagnosed with autism at age 3. He is 7 now..almost 8...he's the one sipping the miso soup on my mog :) Five years of intense 1-1 behavioral intervention has brought him to the high-functioning level. Our deepest appreciation goes out to you in your awareness and willingness to take a second to think about the disorder and the people living with it. What a kind, thoughtful human being you must be....I'm adding you to my Trusted Mogs, gol darn it!!
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  10. Rawkkiddoh says Thanks dandy, just rusted you right back. I think a lot of this awareness comes from the fact that I have a 15 month old son sleeping upstairs as I type. There is nothing I would not do for him, and I feel knowing about things such as these can only help me in the long run both with him, but also with my teaching career.
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  11. dandy lion says Amazing the perspective they give you isn't it?
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  12. Rawkkiddoh says I never knew until I had a son of my own dandy
    Permalink posted 03/21/2007
  13. Archie Leach23 says Things like this really are heartwarming...we see so much pettiness, greed and insane egotism from so many celebrities, but I agree - it's wonderful to see those who use their social power for such beneficial causes. I also have a cousin who has an autistic boy, and it certainly is a struggle, and something that really becomes a huge part of your daily life. With all of the recent attention, who knows, we might be looking at some major advances very soon. Thanks for posting!
    Permalink posted 03/22/2007
  14. 2Serenity says Thank you for posting this. I just found out a week ago about her son because I read Sister Sister magazine where she gave an indepth discussion on the topic. Where have I been? I did not even see this on Larry King but I guess I must have been out that day. I cannot remember. I need some Gring koba -- is that how u spell it? (^_^)
    Permalink posted 08/27/2007

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