Watch this short video and see the best moments of our virtual gala & auction!

Video transcript:

Myles Hinkel:
If you weren’t able to join the Thompson Foundation for our AMAZE Virtual Gala, here’s what you missed.

Reed Low:
Drum roll, please.

Myles Hinkel:
When a child is first diagnosed, it’s really just overwhelming and you’re just scrambled around, going from appointment to appointment, and having a Thompson Center where everything is under one roof is extremely valuable for families.

Debbie Monterrey:
Now, the Thompson Center was founded in 2005 with a generous gift from Bill and Nancy Thompson, and since then, the Center has helped thousands of families live happy, healthier lives.

Candice Robb:
Medical visits are not easy for kids on the spectrum, but this clinic is so thoughtfully designed. As soon as they walk into the lobby, there are comfortable chairs and there’s a Disney movie on the screen. It was so inviting and thoughtful and felt like it was set up just for them.

My husband and I were teachers in a remote island in Alaska in the Pacific Ocean, and it started to become apparent to us that there were not a lot of autism services readily available in a rural Alaskan village. And so that’s when we started really looking at where the best place would be to raise our children. When I was called to be informed that the initial appointment was with Dr. Black, I said, “Oh, is he a neurologist? Is he a specialist?” “He’s an autism doctor, ma’am.” I was speechless because I thought, “Wow, a doctor just for my kids.”

Dr. Connie Brooks:
The Thompson Center is in dire need of expansion. We are bursting at the seams and that limits the number of patients that we can see. With the expansion, the plan is to add rooms for the Severe Behavior Clinic, which will allow us to see three times as number of patients and will help families all across the state of Missouri.

Candice Robb:
All children are gifted and all children are capable of success, and it’s our job as community members, as parents, as teachers, as doctors, to set these children up for success so that they can find their purpose in life and they can use those gifts to the best of their ability.

Debbie Monterrey:
Alright, folks, now is the time for you to get out your digital wallet and get ready to make a difference in people’s lives. You can help expand the Thompson Center, you can help recruit more staff, knock that waitlist down so that families can get in to see a professional sooner.

Dr. Connie Brooks:
Your donations will fund the Thompson Center’s capacity expansion plans, bringing world-class intervention and compassionate support to more children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder. With your help, we will continue the vital research, education, and public policy work performed every day at the center. Your support also expands awareness and acceptance of autism, and improves the journey for an ever-growing number of individuals.

Candice Robb:
My family is a testament to the important work that occurs every day here at the Thompson Center. The people at the Center are our support systems and our community.

Dr. Benjamin Black:
Don’t forget to give and show your support for the Thompson Foundation. Thank you.

Myles Hinkel:
It’s not too late to give. Visit amaze.givesmart.com to support the important work of the Thompson Foundation for Autism.

Debbie Monterrey:
We’ll wait.

Reed Low:
We’ll wait. Give it a second or two. Hurry up. It’s time to click. Urgency, people. Urgency. Come on. Goodnight.