Gathering together to support a great cause, Hollywood’s finest let loose for the 4th Annual Ed Asner and Friends Poker Tournament Night on Saturday (August 6).
The USC Tower at South Park Center was the place to be as Emmy-winning actor Asner partnered with Autism Speaks to raise money for research and support for the disease the affects one out of every 68 children, according to the CDC.
The organization was founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright. Their grandchild was diagnosed with autism, which inspired them to seek support for new research to combat the disease that affects so many families around the world.
Thanks to a $25 million donation from the Wright’s friend Bernie Marcus, they were able to grow into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.
The event brought together famous faces including Rosie O’Donnell, Lou Diamond Phillips, Dylan McDermott, “Better Call Saul” star Michael McKean, “Bosch” star Elizabeth J. Carlisle, Steve Wilkos.
Also in attendance was Ed’s son and Director of Corporate Development for Autism Speaks, Matt Asner, executive director of the organization, Suzette Martinez, and even co-chair, Kristen Mays.
The poker tournament had a goal to raise more than $100,000 to support Autism Speaks mission to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to fund research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of autism, and to advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families, according to a press release.
To learn more about the organization, visit Autism Speaks.
Photo Credit: Good Celebrity