Fundraiser planned for autism cure

More than 500 people from across the Southland are expected to attend the second annual An Evening for Autism event Sept. 12 in Newport Beach.

Hosted by local real estate entrepreneur Barry Saywitz, and Tommy Bahama, the event will be at Saywitz’s home in the Belcourt development in Newport Beach.

The event will benefit Easter Seals Southern California; Talk About Curing Autism and the Autism Society of America. Proceeds from the event also will benefit the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s autism programs.

Special guests will include American singer and theater actress Debbie Boone, former Los Angeles Dodger Jay Johnstone and nine-time Olympic medalist swimmer Mark Spitz.

Area political leaders attending will include California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner; Irvine Councilwoman Beth Krom; State Assemblymen Van Tran and Chuck DeVore; State Sen. Lou Correa and Mayor of Dana Point Lisa Bartlett.

Tickets cost $150 per person.

For more information, visit www.aneveningforautism.org or www.southerncal.easterseals.com.

— Brianna Bailey