On Nov. 7, 2015, Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) hosted its ninth annual Ante Up For Autism gala at The St. Regis Monarch Beach. Celebrities, philanthropists, acclaimed writers and professional poker players attended the casino-themed event, which included live and silent auctions and a poker tournament. Several top poker pros, including Kenna James, were seated at the final poker table, but the first-place prize went to amateur player and Orange County local Kate Jahangiri. The biggest fundraiser of the year for TACA, the event exceeded goals, raising more than $500,000 to support the nonprofit’s efforts.
TACA is a national organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. It aims to shorten the cycle from the initial suspicion of autism, to diagnosis and effective treatments. TACA currently serves nearly 400,000 individuals living with the condition, with an average of 600 new families seeking support and best practices in autism connecting with the nonprofit each month. (anteupforautism.org)
—Written by Katherine Duncan | Photos courtesy of TACA
