Confirmed yesterday morning via email from Hungary, Albert Schultz, founding artistic director of Soulpepper Theatre Company, stage and television actor, master of the spoken word, all around man’s (and woman’s) man, will walk the planks at Koerner Hall as auctioneer for the The Autists Gala live art auction.

Experts agree, we couldn’t have found a better candidate for the job. Albert has done many auctions before and is widely viewed as one of Toronto’s great wits. A native of Port Hope, Ontario, Albert has worked for years getting onto stage, and acting in, some of the most creative and cutting edge theatre ever seen in the nation.

It’s fair to say that Albert is live theatre in these parts, playing roles ranging from Hamlet to Chief Executive Fundraiser, and most everything in between. He even played Conrad Black in a major Canadian TV biopic on the now-incarcerated business titan — not a role just any old actor could wear well.

One space left to fill; and, of course, sponsorship

Albert’s joining us means The Autists now has but one key Gala Night position remaining: That of Master of Ceremonies. No contenders’ names ought be mentioned just yet, but we hope to bring you news of this soon.

With just 3.5 months to lift-off, we are now into the sponsorship drive phase of the event, and in earnest. We’re looking for corporate and individual sponsors able to fund various portions of our event in amounts ranging from $5k to $50k, though we promise not to scoff at offers exceeding the latter amount. If you inhabit such a corporate or institutional entity, or are a generous person of means, we invite you get in touch with The Autists’ fundraising chief, Hindy Abelson at habelson (at) autism.net.

As for Albert, from the depths of our well-peppered souls, we organizers thank you, sir, for stepping forth as you have. We can’t wait to see you do what you do best — speak really quickly on stage with minimal syllabic entanglement.

Behold our Save This Date thingy, which brings you up to speed on The Autists at a glance:

Chaka Khan has just confirmed her attendance as headline act for The Autists.

Does this woman need an introduction?

To do so with any degree of originality is to commit to a serious regime of cliche avoidance. And since that cannot be done, we’ll embrace the cliches, own ‘em and get ‘em out of the way in one sentence: Chaka Khan is royalty, an enduring superstar, a wellspring of talent, is a force for the collective soul, a doer of good, a haver of fun and an eminent presence. Oh, and she has a wickedly powerful, sensual voice, too, which is handy when you make your living as a singer. Ok, so it took two sentences.

A visit to her website is a satisfying journey into her music and her soul.

Chaka Khan is a powerful presence in the generosity dept. Through her amazing Chaka Khan Foundation, she helps kids at risk in the South Central L.A. neighbourhood gain access to opportunities in education, and hence, a more promising future. Through a crafty mix of well-harnessed fellow celebrities, insightful mentors, college scholarships, specialized training programs in life skills as well as financial acumen, she’s helping a great many kids use their own brains and ambition to find their way out of poverty and the unsavory forces that accompany it.

And as the relative of someone with autism, Chaka Khan also supports programs that enable kids with autism reach their full potential, as well as aiding their families to offset the associated financial burdens.

We are so touched by this graceful nod to us that it has reignited the fire under us, the one that drives us to make this event so rich, so substantial and effectual, so packed with energy and life and celebration.

So, with maximum sincerity and alacrity, from all of us putting The Autists together and all of those who will benefit from your generosity — thank you, Ms Chaka Khan.

Geneva Centre for Autism has been a trailblazer and internationally recognized centre of excellence in the field of autism since 1974. The Centre influences policy, supports research and delivers innovative services that make a profound and life-changing difference to children, youth and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

Geneva Centre's Merton St. HQ

Geneva Centre for Autism is a place that families turn to; a place where they find hope, support and, above all, possibilities for an independent, productive future for their children. The Centre is committed to enabling individuals with an ASD to participate more fully in school, to gain  employment and to establish relationships with their peers as well as in the community at large.  The Centre also provides critical tools to family members so they can provide ongoing complimentary care and support at home.

As Canada’s leading autism service provider we are there every step of the way to help individuals with an ASD reach their full potential.

“The Geneva Centre; three small words but with one large meaning: a lifeline to families touched by autism.”
Joanne Connolly, mother to twin sons with autism.

Jump to Geneva Centre for Autism Website