Autism Speaks & Tommy Bahama to Participate in Los Angeles Dodgers Autism Awareness Day

LOS ANGELES, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization and Tommy Bahama, a popular upscale lifestyle brand, will be two of the participants in a community-wide day on April 18 at Dodger Stadium to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders.  A portion of the proceeds will support various organizations, including Autism Speaks' work to increase awareness about the growing autism epidemic, fund innovative autism research and family services and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. To purchase tickets go to www.dodgers.com/autism.  

Tickets for this special game against the San Francisco Giants are being offered at every price level so families can attend the game together.  Groups of 30 or more can also purchase seats together in any section and there are special luxury suite tickets available where people can meet many Dodger legends.  

"We are excited to partner with the Dodgers and Autism Speaks on this important initiative," said Cathy Gott, a member of Autism Speaks' Los Angeles Chapter Board of Directors.  "My husband, Jim Gott, played for the Dodgers and we have a son with autism so this is very personal for us," she added.  "Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and we need to let people know about these growing numbers in the community.  It's not just for families who are directly affected by autism — this should be a concern for everyone."

Tommy Bahama has pledged their support to the event by hosting a special "Autism Awareness Shopping Event" on April 20 at all of their Los Angeles and Orange County area stores where 10% of ALL sales that day will be donated to Autism Speaks, Danny's Farm, TACA and The Autism Society of America Greater Long Beach/San Gabriel Chapter. The Tommy Bahama "Autism Awareness Shopping Event" will take place at the Tommy Bahama's stores in Pasadena, The Grove, Thousand Oaks, Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, Fashion Island, Irvine Center and Mission Viejo. Visit the store locator at www.tommybahama.com for addresses of the participating stores.

Phillip Hain, Executive Director of Autism Speaks' Los Angeles Chapter, "Cathy and Jim Gott exemplify the meaning of community service and action. They've taken this concept and are using it to unite people and truly make a difference.  April is Autism Awareness Month and the Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks is taking place April 24 at the Rose Bowl, so the timing could not be more appropriate."

Individual tickets can be purchased through a special link on the Dodgers website at www.dodgers.com/autism. Anyone who wants to buy a block of tickets should contact Eric Boujo at [email protected] or 323.224.4287.

About Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. 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 the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

About Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama is owned by the Tommy Bahama Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxford Industries, Inc. (NYSE: OXM).  Established in August 1992, with corporate headquarters in Seattle, Tommy Bahama is a lifestyle company that defines elegant tropical living with men's and women's sportswear, denim, swimwear, accessories and a complete home furnishings collection.  Tommy Bahama is available at the country's finest retailers, including Nordstrom, as well as high profile resort locations around the world. There are over eighty Tommy Bahama's retail locations across the country, twelve of which include a Tommy Bahama's restaurant & bar. Additional stores will be opening this year. For more information, please visit www.tommybahama.com

SOURCE Tommy Bahama