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Over 375 people enjoyed keynote speaker Eustacia Cutler’s address on “Autism—A Family Disorder” at the fourth annual "Gourmet Lunchbox" lunch on November 16, 2011 at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.

Donors attending the event, ABC of NC’s premier fundraiser, contributed approximately $90,000 for the school and its financial aid program. Cutler is a well known autism advocate and mother of Temple Grandin, a successful adult with autism and subject of the Emmy award-winning HBO movie, “Temple Grandin.” Ms. Cutler is the author of “A Thorn in My Pocket,” a personal reflection of her journey raising a daughter with autism in the 1950s.

According to Cutler, “Autism affects everyone in the family and we must dedicate more resources to treating it as an issue for all.” She added that the developmental disorder often hurts fathers the most as they are the least equipped to handle the stress of raising a child with autism. “We must do more for the fathers,” she said, “So that we keep more families together for the sake of the child with autism and the siblings too.” Cutler stated that the divorce rates among families with a child with autism are over 90 percent. She related her personal experiences as a mother emotionally and physically abandoned by her husband at a time of great need.

“We were thrilled to host Eustacia in Winston-Salem,” said Felice Brenner, chair of the ABC of NC board and coordinator of the event. “And even more thrilled with our fundraising! So many children will receive services from our school thanks to this successful event.”

“Eustacia was the perfect choice for our lunch as her teaching and parenting philosophies parallel those at ABC of NC. We have come so far in autism education and her daughter’s success as an adult provides inspiration to our families and teachers. Plus, it was exciting for all of us to meet a personal hero,” said Brenner. Following the luncheon, Ms. Cutler visited ABC of NC to spend some time with the staff and students. Lizzy Donovan, pictured with Ms. Cutler, explained the ABC of NC assessment and instructional process.

In addition to listening to Ms. Cutler’s presentation, attendees dined on a gourmet lunch provided by Milner’s American Southern restaurant in a take-home lunchbox donated by Source4, an integrated marketing and business solutions company. Guests were entertained by emcees, Katie and Jared from the 107.5 WKZL "Murphy in the Morning Show" and Mike Errikson, one of ABC of NC's teachers who played lovey piano arrangements. Event supporters also included Platinum Sponsor, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center; Gold Sponsors Ann Brenner, Mary Louise and John Burress, Wells Fargo and Reynolds American; and additional in-kind contributors Calvary Baptist Church, Hutchison Allgood Printing, Primo Water and ShapiroWalker Design.

ABC of NC is accredited by Advanc-Ed and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).