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Gail Werner-Robertson |
It’s not easy, but nobody can say Gail Werner-Robertson isn’t trying. After raising more than $642,000 for the autism program at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute last year with a dinner and golf tournament, Werner-Robertson has even bigger plans for this year.
Founder and CEO of GWR Wealth Management LLC, Werner-Robertson hopes to raise $1 million this year through a three-day series of events running June 3-5. The all-star lineup in place leaves little doubt that this year’s package has the potential to be even bigger and better.
“We are committed to making Nebraska one of the best states in the country for providing services for people with autism,” said Werner-Robertson, whose two sons, Jared, 20, and Cleighton, 13, have both been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. This marks the fifth consecutive year she has spearheaded a fundraiser to benefit autism.
This year’s tripleheader begins with the MMI/GWR Sunshine Foundation Autism Summit on Saturday, June 3, at Qwest Center Omaha. The daylong educational forum will provide families with the latest information on how they can best deal with autism. Inspiration will be provided by keynote speaker Temple Grandin, Ph.D., who is considered one of the most accomplished and well-known adults with autism in the world.
Dr. Grandin didn’t talk until she was 3 1/2 years old, and her parents were told that she should be institutionalized. Instead, thanks to a mentor who recognized her interests and abilities, she became a successful designer of livestock handling equipment. She has designed the facilities in which about half the cattle in the U.S. are handled. She also serves as a consultant for firms such as Burger King, McDonald’s and Swift.
As an associate professor for animal science at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Dr. Grandin has authored more than 300 articles in scientific journals and livestock periodicals. She has appeared on television shows such as 20/20, 48 Hours and Larry King Live and has been featured in the New York Times, Time Magazine and Forbes.
The cost to attend the summit is $50 per person or $75 per couple. Lunch is provided. The registration deadline is May 22. For more information, call Annie Bird at MMI, at (402) 559-6302.
“Bringing in Temple Grandin is a great opportunity,” said Bird, who is coordinator of the MMI Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. “The summit will truly be a powerful event for any family dealing with autism, as well as teachers, professionals and medical personnel who work with children on the spectrum.”
On Sunday, June 4, a benefit dinner and oral auction will be held at Qwest Center Omaha. Football coaching legend Dick Vermeil will speak at the event. Vermeil holds the rare distinction of being named coach of the year at every level he coached – high school, junior college, college and professional.
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Football coach Dick Vermeil |
The dinner also will feature an appearance by Jason McElwain, an autistic high school senior from Rochester, N.Y. McElwain made national headlines earlier this year when he scored 20 points in the last three minutes of the only basketball game of his high school career. Jason’s coach let him play in the last game of the year as a way of saying thank you for serving as team manager. McElwain missed his first two shots, then made seven consecutive shots, including six three-pointers. The story was carried by all the national media, and Jason became an instant celebrity.
Cost for attending the dinner is $150/person or a table of 10 for $1,500. Among the prizes to be auctioned are a 42-inch plasma/high definition television, two tickets to see the Jay Leno Show with air fare included, an executive sky box at a Husker football game, and lunch for four with Sen. Chuck Hagel in Washington, D.C., followed by a tour of the Capitol Building.
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Sports analyst Rick Majerus |
Money raised from past events has been instrumental in allowing MMI to create the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and in recruiting new faculty, said Bruce Buehler, M.D., MMI director and chairman of the UNMC department of pediatrics.
“Nebraska used to be considered a state that was lagging in autism services,” Dr Buehler said. “Now, we are working to become one of the best. The work of Gail Werner-Robertson and her team has made a significant difference. We can’t thank them enough.”
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Dr. Fisher is serving as director of the MMI Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Piazza is professor in the department of pediatrics and specializes in treating pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders.
Under Dr. Fisher’s direction, MMI has been able to expand its research and services in the areas of autism and behavioral genetics. The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders evaluates children between the ages of two and 18 years and assists children within the spectrum to develop positive, appropriate social skills in settings with their typical peers.
“Having an autistic child can be a challenge for any family,” Dr. Fisher said. “But, with early intervention, there are many things that can be done to improve quality of life. We’re excited to be in Omaha and look forward to being a resource for the state and region.”
Mike and Stephanie Johanns, former governor and first lady of Nebraska, will serve as honorary chairs for this year’s events.