May 4, 2017

SARRC Hosts 20th Anniversary Community Breakfast

SARRC speaker and "revolutionist" Patty Dion; SARRC co-founders, Denise Resnik and Dr. Raun Melmed

“Revolution: Redefining the Status Quo” was the theme of this year’s Annual Community Breakfast, held by Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center. SARRC hosted almost 1,800 guests April 28 at the Arizona Biltmore for the event. They were joined by individuals with autism and their families as well as business, community and elected leaders.

The event, co-chaired by long-time supporters Kathy and Mike Bosco, showcased SARRC over the last 20 years. For the first time ever, guests heard from every perspective of the family: parents, siblings and grandparents. Also recognized were seven individuals dubbed SARRC Revolutionists,” including co-founders Denise Resnik and Raun Melmed, MD, who have helped shape SARRC since its founding in 1997.

“There are so many more revolutionists, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, big and small, each and every day, who have contributed to SARRC’s evolution and autism in this community’s revolution,” said Daniel Openden, SARRC president and CEO. “And just as important are the revolutionists who will help us achieve a vision for SARRC’s next 20 years: a supportive community fortified with the resources to identify, treat and integrate individuals with autism of all ages.”

SARRC’s Community Breakfast is the organization’s signature fundraising event. All proceeds support SARRC’s mission to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families.

PHOTOS COURTESY SARRC

Amy Armstrong and Victoria Mendoza