Eddie Guardado Foundation and ACT! Today to Host Inaugural OC Suitcase Soirée With 100% of Proceeds to Benefit Children with Autism



LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

Eddie Guardado Foundation and ACT! Today to Host Inaugural OC Suitcase Soirée
100% of Proceeds to Benefit Children with Autism

Newport Beach, CA – Get ready to jet away for the weekend! The Eddie Guardado Foundation is encouraging guests to arrive with their bags packed to the inaugural OC Suitcase Soiree, which will benefit children with autism. 

Winners of the opportunity drawings will leave John Wayne Airport for one of the three vacations that depart directly from the party, which will be held near the runway at the Lyon Air Museum (19300 Ike Jones Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92707) on Friday, September 20, 2013, 7 to 11 p.m.

100% of event net proceeds will benefit the Eddie Guardado Foundation, which supports the direct service program of ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!). ACT Today! is a national non-profit providing care and treatment to children with autism and support and assistance to families. The Foundation provides iPads, used by children with autism to help communicate, and helps pay for various therapies, safety devices, and provide other support services. Lisa and Eddie Guardado have been able to help nearly 300 families since the Foundation’s inception in 2008.

With the guests expected to arrive in dressy casual attire, party-goers will check their luggage at the door so that a customized luggage tag can be engraved while they attend the party. Ultimat Vodka will have “Flight Attendants” and “Captains” serving drinks from drink carts like the ones used on commercial airplanes and stationary bars, while guests will dine at food stations from OC's finest restaurants and caterers including: Bluewater Grill, Maggiano’s, Newport Rib Company, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pacific Club Catering, Sensitive Sweets, Sweet Creations by Judy, The Winery, and Zov’s Bistro. Entertained by live music, party-goers will also be able to participate in silent and live auctions, and enjoy specialty drinks provided by Ultimat Vodka.

Lisa and Eddie Guardado, former MLB relief pitcher who was just inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame this June, will be co-hosting the event with Katie and Ryan Dunlop.  The event committee includes: Jo Ashline, William Cernius, Trish Coury, Laura Marroquin, Jennifer and J Ocana, Debbie Redmond, and Michelle Volner.

“When our daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with autism, we realized first-hand the emotion and financial hardships that come with raising a child with autism,” says Lisa Guardado. “Eddie and I felt that it was really important for us to help other Orange County families that are impacted with autism.”

Silver Sponsors of the event include: Western National Group. Bronze Sponsors are Sandra and David Stone and Family. In-kind Sponsors include: Reaction Audio Visual, West Coast Air, Ultimat Vodka, Anaheim Helicopters, Matebele Limo.

Take Me Away Opportunity Drawing Trips:
  • First Prize: Private plane to Las Vegas for a fun filled weekend, returning Sunday! Includes 2 nights in a suite at the Aria Hotel, limo service to and from the airport. Dinner for two at Javiers and two tickets to Cirque Du Soleil’s Zarkana.
  • Second Prize: Private Helicopter to Santa Barbara for a relaxing weekend getaway. Returning Sunday! Trip includes 2 nights at the Bacara in a luxurious room with a fireplace, wine tasting experience and complimentary breakfast.
  • Third Prize: Limo to Los Angeles for a quick getaway, returning Sunday! Includes 2 night stay in a Deluxe Room at Beverly Hills Hotel. Dinner Saturday night and breakfast each day.

Live Auction Highlights:
  • A private plane to beautiful Napa Valley for a weekend of wine tasting. Includes 2 nights at the Meritage Resort, a balloon ride for two, upgraded tasting for two at the Trinitas Cellars and more!
  • VIP backstage at The Today Show, with a Tour of studio and meet and greet with Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker – Can be for 4 to 5 people. You may use this package in conjunction with the Today Show’s Summer Concert Series.
  • Dinner for you and 3 friends with Gretchen and Slade from OC Housewives and show creator Scott Dunlop at Hanna’s Restaurant.
  • Certified Admiral’s Cup Corum Men’s Watch with 18K Rose Gold Titanium Case, 18K Rose Gold and Titanium Bracelet.

Tickets are: $250 per person, includes 1 opportunity drawing ticket; $150 per person, incudes entry to the party; $100 per additional opportunity drawing – can only be used with entry ticket;  For more information or for tickets: www.ocsuitcasesoiree.org or 714-442-3535

ABOUT AUTISM IN ORANGE COUNTY & AN EDDIE GUARDADO FOUNDATION SUCCESS STORY:
About 1 in 88 children in America have been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and Orange County in particular has an unusually high prevalence of autism diagnoses, including statistics from 2011 that show we have the highest autism rate in California. Further, recent numbers show that more than 8,600 children in Orange County are being served by Special Education departments in public schools.

No one other than families dealing with the diagnosis knows how difficult and financially draining it can be to raise a child with autism. Irvine resident Linda Bertch can attest to the challenge – she is a mom to four children, including 14-year-old Andrew who has been diagnosed with autism. To complicate matters and add to the financial stress, Linda suddenly lost her husband last year.

The Bertch family was given a grant by the Eddie Guardado Foundation and Andrew subsequently received an iPad that worked “miracles” according to Linda, “He’s doing amazing things I never thought he could.” Andrew works with the iPad on speech therapy, which has allowed for greater communication as he is forming short sentences for the first time in his life. He also uses it with ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, is able to play games with his siblings that he never could before, and the family has a schedule on the iPad which has helped decrease Andrew’s frustration and aggression. 

ABOUT THE EDDIE GUARDADO FOUNDATION:
Major League All-Star Pitcher, Eddie Guardado and his wife Lisa established The Eddie Guardado Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 2008 after their youngest child, Ava, was diagnosed with autism. Lisa and Eddie understand the emotional and financial hardships families impacted with autism experience and founded the Eddie Guardado Foundation to help other families receive access to therapy and treatments that they could not otherwise afford.

In January 2011, The Eddie Guardado Foundation joined forces with ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), as both non-profits share the mission of providing awareness of and access to effective therapies for children with autism. Since their partnership began, the Eddie Guardado Foundation has enabled ACT Today! to provide an additional 100 grants to help children with autism achieve their highest potential. The organizations continue to collaborate together with Eddie and Lisa serving on the ACT Today! board. www.eddieguardadofoundation.org

MEDIA CONTACT: TO MEDIA CO. 949-722-8488
Allison Olmstead – Allison@tomediaco.com or Jane Gillespie – Jane@tomediaco.com

Save The Date! OC Suitcase Soirée: A Fundraising Voyage Helping Children With Autism




SAVE-THE-DATE

Eddie Guardado Foundation to Host Inaugural
OC Suitcase Soirée Benefiting Children with Autism


WHO:             Former MLB All-Star Pitcher Eddie Guardado, along with his wife Lisa Guardado,
will host the OC Suitcase Soirée to benefit children with autism.

WHAT:           The OC Suitcase Soirée invites guests to arrive, bags packed, in anticipation of winning one of the three grand prize travel packages, which departs directly from the event by private plane or limousine for a weekend getaway in Las Vegas, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles. Guests at the fundraising event will be entertained by live music, participate in silent and live auctions, and dine on an array of cuisine from top Orange County restaurants, while enjoying wine tasting and specialty drinks provided by Young's Market. 

100% of event net proceeds will benefit the Eddie Guardado Foundation, which supports the direct service program of ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!). ACT Today! is a national non-profit providing care and treatment to children with autism and support and assistance to families who do not have the means to provide the necessary treatment, therapy and tools for their children impacted by autism.

WHERE:           Lyon Air Museum, 19300 Ike Jones Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92707

WHEN:             Friday, September 20, 2013, 7 to 11 p.m.

TICKET INFO:  www.ocsuitcasesoiree.org or 714-442-3535


About The Eddie Guardado Foundation:
Major League All-Star Pitcher, Eddie Guardado and his wife Lisa established The Eddie Guardado Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 2008 after their youngest child, Ava, was diagnosed with autism. Lisa and Eddie understand the emotional and financial hardships families impacted with autism experience and founded the Eddie Guardado Foundation to help other families receive access to therapy and treatments that they could not otherwise afford.

In January 2011, The Eddie Guardado Foundation joined forces with ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), as both non-profits share the mission of providing awareness of and access to effective therapies for children with autism. Since their partnership began, the Eddie Guardado Foundation has enabled ACT Today! to provide an additional 100 grants to help children with autism achieve their highest potential. The organizations continue to collaborate together with Eddie and Lisa serving on the ACT Today! board. www.eddieguardadofoundation.org

Over 30 All-Star Athletes and Entertainers Came Out to Help The Eddie Guardado Foundation Raise $170,000 for Families Impacted by Autism


EDDIE GUARDADO’S STARS & STRIKES ANNUAL CELEBRITY BOWLING TOURNAMENT
PRESENTED BY THE EDDIE GUARDADO FOUNDATION HELD JANUARY 27 RAISES $170,000

Over 30 Celebrities Helped Stars and Strikes Raise Funds
To Provide Grants and Financial Assistance to Families Impacted With Autism

TUSTIN, CA – January 30, 2013 – The lanes were rockin’ as the All-Stars of sports and entertainment rolled in at Eddie Guardado’s Stars & Strikes, the annual celebrity bowling tournament and fundraiser presented by The Eddie Guardado Foundation in conjunction with ACT Today!, (Autism Care and Treatment Today!) held Sunday, January 27 at Bowlmor Lanes at The District in Tustin (2405 Park Avenue, Tustin, CA).  This year’s Stars & Strikes raised approximately $170,000.

Whether it was MLB Pitcher LaTroy Hawkins donning Olympic Swimmer Katilin Sandeno’s multiple gold-medals, MMA’s Jake Ellenberger trading high fives with MLB’s Jerred Weaver, or MLB’s Michael Young and Vernon Wells arriving at the event together ready to bowl strikes, bowlers from ages 6 to 60+ enjoyed the fun, casual event, getting pictures and autographs from all of their sports heroes.  

The evening raised more money for the foundation than ever before, due to the sponsors, silent auction and the live auction, which was a huge hit thanks to several items including an Albert Pujols signed bat and a spontaneous addition of two lunch dates for four with actor, Noah Munck (iCarly).   In addition to the monies raised, attendees also purchased 24 iPads during the “Fund an iPad” portion of the auction, which will be placed directly into the hands of children with autism as part of their therapy.

“Once again, we are in awe of the generosity of our friends, neighbors, and corporate community sponsors, who came out to Stars & Strikes to assist us in aiding the growing number of families impacted by autism,” says Eddie Guardado.  “The energy and love in the room was palpable and as a result we were able to surpass our fundraising goal, which is more than we could have hoped for this year.”



(The Guardado Family - Niko, Ava, Lisa, Jacob and Eddie)


Sold out a month before with 350+ people in attendance, there were over 30 celebrities, athletes, actors and actresses, who each lead a team of guest bowlers.  While everyone was bowling, attendees also enjoyed the Stars & Strikes Photo Booth, Bowlmor’s arcade, classic bowling alley fare and music provided by DJ Krispy.

This year’s list of celebrity All-Stars included:
  • ·       “Everyday Eddie” Guardado, 2-Time All-Star Pitcher
  • ·       Michael Young, 7-Time All-Star, Philadelphia Phillies 
  • ·       Adrian Beltre, 3-Time All-Star, Texas Rangers
  • ·       Jered Weaver, 3 Time All-Star, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
  • ·       Garret Anderson, 3-Time MLB All-Star
  • ·       LaTroy Hawkins, MLB Pitcher 
  • ·       Scott Feldman, Chicago Cubs
  • ·       Vernon Wells, 3-Time All-Star, Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim
  • ·       Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks, 2-Time All-Star
  • ·       Shawn Green, 2-Time MLB All Star
  • ·       Carlos Fisher, Oakland Athletics
  • ·       Derek Holland, Texas Rangers
  • ·       Matt Treanor, MLB Player
  • ·       Stan Frazier, Drummer – Sugar Ray
  • ·       Noah Munck, Actor, “iCarly”
  • ·       Sasha Pieterse, actress “Pretty Little Liars”
  • ·       Annie Mumolo, actress, “This is 40,” Writer, “Bridesmaids
  • ·       Lisa Foxx, On-Air Radio Personality, 104.3 MYFM
  • ·       Denny Hocking, Retired MLB Player
  • ·       Adam Melhuse, Retired MLB Player
  • ·       Gary Pettis, Texas Rangers Coach, 5-Time Gold Glove
  • ·       Jamie Moyer, All-Star Pitcher 
  • ·       Kaitlin Sandeno, Olympic Gold Medalist, Swimming 
  • ·       Jake Ellenberger, UFC Welterweight Title Contender
  • ·       Mark Munoz, UFC Middleweight Title Contender
  • ·       Jacque Jones, Retired MLB Player 
  • ·       Scott Ullger, Minnesota Twins Coach
  • ·       Derek Deese, Retired NFL Player
  • ·       Kyle Negrete, USC Trojans Punter
  • ·       Erin Murphy, Actress
  • ·       Musetta Vander, Actress 


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest numbers, 1 in 88 children in America is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making ASD more prevalent than juvenile diabetes, pediatric cancer and childhood AIDS combined. The net proceeds generated by this star-studded event will be used to provide direct support and assistance to families who do not have the means to provide the necessary treatment, therapy and tools for their children impacted by autism.

VIEW ADDITIONAL EVENT PHOTOS -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomediaco/sets/72157632632291373/

About The Eddie Guardado Foundation:
Major League All-Star Pitcher, Eddie Guardado and his wife Lisa established The Eddie Guardado Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 2008 after their youngest child, Ava, was diagnosed with autism. Lisa and Eddie understand the emotional and financial hardships families impacted with autism experience and founded the Eddie Guardado Foundation to help other families receive access to therapy and treatments that they could not otherwise afford.

In January 2011, The Eddie Guardado Foundation joined forces with ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), as both non-profits share the mission of providing awareness of and access to effective therapies for children with autism. Since their partnership began, the Eddie Guardado Foundation has enabled ACT Today! to provide an additional 100 grants to help children with autism achieve their highest potential. The organizations continue to collaborate together with Eddie and Lisa serving on the ACT Today! board. www.eddieguardadofoundation.org

About Eddie Guardado:
Eddie Guardado is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Throughout his career, Guardado played with the Minnesota Twins (1993–2003, 2008), where his durable arm earned him the nickname “Everyday Eddie,” the Seattle Mariners (2004–2006), Cincinnati Reds (2006–2007), and the Texas Rangers (Two separate stints in 2008 and 2009). Over Eddie's career, he appeared in 908 games. Only 21 other pitchers have appeared in more games. www.eddieguardado18.com

About ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!):
ACT Today! is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to raise awareness and provide treatment services and support to families to help their help children with autism achieve their full potential. In 2010, ACT Today! launched ACT Today! for Military Families, the first national program to address the unique needs of the 1 in 88 military families impacted by autism. www.act-today.org

Parents Magazine Features Vazu Kids' LOOK WHO IS COMING Children's Book


We love the book Look Who Is Coming!  It is such a cute book for any child but the story of how it was created for a son with Autism is inspiring to all parents.   Parents Magazine loved the book so much that they included it their April Issue. 

Zuma, the book's author, just wrote us this note about seeing her book on the pages of a national magazine:

They featured the book under health/autism - did a such a neat job describing! It is on the bottom corner, and the photo of the book is so clear and bright, can't miss it! Thanks so much!!!


Wow, it felt weird to read our names ... But I can get used to it :))))

Thanks again,


Zuma

Parents Help Autistic Child And Become Authors



We thought you would be interested in this great, feel good story about two parents who wanted to help their autistic son and in the end started a business that helps other autistic kids and enriches the lives young children.



Zuma Ayriyan and John Khachatryan are parents to two boys Robert who is 17 years old and Alexander who is 5 years old.

A charming child full of personality when he was born, Alexander suddenly started losing his language skills around his first year. Soon after, he was diagnosed with autism. His family’s mission to reignite Alexander’s love for books and language started them on the path to self-publishing “Look Who is Coming…”.

“While our lives were turned upside down and became filled with doctors and therapists appointments, we knew that he (Alexander) must learn to love books again. So, we transformed our kitchen table into a working station to create a book that would not only be fun, colorful, and engaging, but also personal!” says Zuma.

Determined to use all the tools at their disposal to help their son overcome his diagnosis, what began as pictures taped to sheets of plain white paper evolved into a colorful, engaging story book about all the most important people in their son’s life. Zuma continues, “We decided to find a way to make Alexander and the people he loves become characters of the book by incorporating our family photographs into the illustrations.”

“Watching Alexander enjoy lifting the flaps of our board book and finding himself and his family riding colorful cars and counting different creatures along the way, we realized that every child could enjoy and benefit from this book, and that every family could easily personalize it by substituting our photographs with their own,” adds John.





In addition to their work as writer and publisher of “Look Who is Coming…,” John is a musician and is currently teaching music and Zuma manages her own part-time law practice. Zuma and John reside in Irvine, CA and are active supporters of ASA the Autism Society of America. They have plans to continue their VaZu Kids line of personalized children’s books with additional releases planned for 2010.

VISIT VaZuKids.com to get the WHOLE STORY: http://www.vazukids.com/

To speak with the authors, please contact Townsend Olmstead Media Co. – 949.722.8488 or via email – media@tomediaco.com

ABOUT “Look Who is Coming…”
Designed for children ages 8 months and up, “Look Who is Coming…” is a charming, interactive tale that is personalized for each child via the inclusion of photos of friends, family and other special people in the child’s life by simply sliding a photo into the built-in tabs. “Look Who is Coming” also encourages your child to count, identify people, objects and colors and develop facial recognition and fine motor skills while following different friends along the way.

While “Look Who Is Coming…” is a perfect book for all young children, the concept for the book was born specifically to address the needs of the author’s young son who was diagnosed with Autism.

“Look Who is Coming…” was designed and written by Zuma Ayriyan and John Khachatryan and illustrated by Lenley Makela. It is currently available on Amazon.com and in select bookstores and children stores nationwide. “Look Who is Coming…” retails for $13.99.

READING AND LEARNING GETS PERSONAL WITH “LOOK WHO IS COMING…” THE PREMIERE TITLE FROM VaZu KIDS


Irvine, CA - November 10, 2009 -- "Look Who Is Coming...", the premiere title from VaZu Kids is a charming, interactive tale that is personalized for each child via the inclusion of photos of friends, family and other special people in the child's life.

Designed for children 8 months and up, "Look Who Is Coming..." allows your child to take the starring role in the storytelling and is the perfect book to incorporate friends, family favorite animals and more by simply sliding a photo into the built in tabs.

Everyone from teachers to mothers and grandmothers love the interactive element of this book. "With this book, a child is given the opportunity to essentially create his or her own story. By using the unique approach of personalizing through photos, this book not only helps children identify colors, objects and numbers, it also presents a whole new method of learning that is both practical and fun," says Elizabeth Pernik, long-time educator and grandmother of 3.

Experience the simplistic beauty of the illustrations as "Look Who Is Coming..." stimulates your child and contributes to his or her development. "Look Who Is Coming..." will encourage your child to count, identify people, object and colors and develop facial recognition and fine motor skills while following different friends along the way.

While "Look Who Is Coming..." is a perfect book for all young children, the concept for the book was born specifically to address the needs of hte author's young son who was diagnosed with Autism. Determined to use all the tools at their disposal to help their son overcome his daignosis, what began as pictures taped to sheets of plain white paper evolved into a colorful, engaging story book about all the most important people in their son's life.
Follow the link below to click through the book and view the instructional video to learn how to insert your own personal photos and personalize "Look Who Is Coming..."


"Look Who Is Coming..." was designed and written by Zuma Ayriyan and John Khachatryan and illustrated by Lenley Makela. It is currently available on Amazon.com and in select bookstores and children's stores nationwide. "Look Who Is Coming..." retails for $13.99.