Autism Speaks...Rock 'Til It Stops...Sat. 4/12 at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

[Guest guest]

From: AUTISM SPEAKS

Local Contact: Shari Goldberg

(440) 449-9922; sharigoldberg22@...

National Contact: Seromi Park

(323)297-4752; spark@...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUTISM SPEAKS HOSTS “ROCK ‘TIL IT STOPS†BENEFIT CONCERT

AT THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM TO SUPPORT LOCAL AND NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Legendary Musician Stills and Cleveland’s Own Stanley

Headline the performance

Evening Will Honor Local and National Advocates: Norma Lerner, Ratner,

Eileen McShea and and Stills

NEW YORK, NY (March 21, 2008) -- Autism Speaks will host a special one-night-only benefit concert, featuring performances by rock legends Stills and Cleveland’s own Stanley, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday, April 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. “Rock ‘Til It Stops†will be an evening of food, fun and music as the Cleveland community joins together to raise awareness about autism and funds to support Autism Speaks’ research, education and outreach initiatives. Twenty percent of the event’s proceeds will be directed towards local Ohio initiatives.

Last April, Autism Speaks sold out its inaugural Cleveland concert event, which raised $250,000 for Autism Speaks initiatives in Ohio and throughout the United States. In addition to the special musical performances by Stills – a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee -- and Cleveland's beloved Stanley, this year’s “Rock ‘til It Stops†event will include tours of the Museum’s exhibits and an auction featuring signed guitars by rock legends. The evening will honor Cleveland-area leaders in the fight against autism: Norma Lerner, benefactor of The Lerner School for Autism at The Cleveland Clinic; Susie Ratner, co-founder of The Monarch School for Autism; Eileen McShea, Autism Speaks supporter and co-host of “Good Company†on WKYC-TV; and and Stills, activists and national supporters of Autism Speaks.

Ticket prices start at $150 and sponsorship opportunities are available. To purchase tickets, contact McCammon at (323) 549-0500, ext. 748 or lmccammon@....

For sponsorship information contact Shari Goldberg at (440) 449-9922 or sharigoldberg22@.... Tickets will sell out soon so don’t miss this opportunity to participate in this exciting yearly event.

For more information about the event, visit: http://events.autismspeaks.org/asrocktilitstops.

Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism advocacy organization, announced a series of international events to mark the inaugural celebration of World Autism Awareness Day (April 2), an unprecedented global effort to heighten awareness about a disorder affecting millions of individuals and families around the world. The April 2 events will take place on three continents and in venues ranging from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to local bookstores and the worldwide web, and are expected to generate significant national and international media coverage. April is Autism Awareness month.

About Autism

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob , the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob is Vice Chairman, General Electric, and served as chief executive officer of NBC for more than twenty years. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

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