We recommend that you consider the following when organizing and implementing your House Party to view the Autism Coalition benefit comedy show, the Night of Too Many Stars (Saturday, May 31, 8pm (Eastern Time), on NBC-TV.)
q Send an e-mail and/or s-mail invitation as soon as possible to relatives, friends, neighbors, business associates and others who would enjoy the show and appreciate the opportunity to learn more about autism and how they can help our cause to accelerate and strengthen autism research and education programs. A sample invitation has been attached to this e-mail and can be downloaded and amended as necessary for your House Party. Be sure to personalize it with name(s) of host, address, RSVP information, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
q While the primary purpose of the House Parties is to spur interest in our cause, it is also an opportunity to raise funds for your autism organization and/or the Autism Coalition. We at the Autism Coalition are happy to see organizations use the House Party concept to raise awareness about, and funds for, autism. Whether funds raised support a local, state or national autism group or institution (such as a school or perhaps one of our partner organizations) or the Autism Coalition directly is not our prime concern; simply be sure to designate a charity recipient and make sure checks are made out properly to the recipient organization or institution.
q Consider asking guests, on the information and at the party, to make a modest donation (perhaps $25-50 per person). Some guests will be inspired to give greater donations at the end of the evening, especially after viewing several inspirational public service announcements that will be broadcast throughout the show on NBC. (If you choose to designate the Autism Coalition as the recipient of donations, please be sure that guests make checks out to the Autism Coalition for Research and Education.)
q Please consider the Autism Coalition a resource as you plan and implement your House Party. We can send information about autism and about our Coalition, including brochures, fact sheets and newspaper articles. Our staff is happy to help you. Please call program associate Mike Russo at 914/935-1462 if you have any questions or requests for assistance. (You can e-mail Mike as well at mrusso@autismcoalition.com
q Make sure that all guests fill out a sign-in sheet shortly after they arrive at the party. Be sure to get their names, home and business addresses, phone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses. We urge you to ask guests if they’d like to be added to the Autism Coalition’s mailing list, and to mark this on your sign-in sheets.
q Please distribute written materials to each guest, including information, when appropriate, about your organization as well as about the Autism Coalition (we can deliver full-color brochures that explain the Coalition and its mission.)
q We urge hosts to make a brief presentation shortly before the show (or to designate a knowledgeable guest to do so) that highlights some key facts about autism and the need for strengthened research (the Autism Coalition can provide detailed talking points.) You should of course thank your guests for coming and remind them that they will enjoy a very funny comedy show that benefits a serious cause. Note that several public service announcements will air during the broadcast, and ask them to pay special attention to these. You should note any written materials that are available and make sure everyone has signed in and provided all the vital contact information.
q If your group includes people who do not know one another, be sure to provide and use name tags!
q Your House Party should fit your personality. Food and beverages are always appreciated, and you may wish to consider a theme, i.e. “movie night” with popcorn, candy, etc, or a pizza party, or perhaps a more lavish event that includes cocktails and hot hors d’oeuvres.
q Please note that several autism public service announcements will be shown during the broadcast. Be sure to quiet partygoers if necessary so that all can see and hear these moving spots.
q You may wish to ask participants to take an action before leaving the party, such as writing a letter or signing a petition to members of Congress and/or the Senate, as well as the President, to support increased investments in autism research. We can provide sample letters and talking points for autism advocacy.
q
Have fun and enjoy the show!
For more information, please contact Mike Russo at mrusso@autismcoalition.com
or call the Autism Coalition at 914/935-1462.
Please visit our website at www.autismcoalition.org
Provided
by Autism Coalition participant, The Schafer Autism Report http://home.sprynet.com/~schafer/