Friends of Celi, a foundation benefiting Autism research, will hold its fourth annual fundraising event on Friday, January 25, 2013 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at The Knowlton Mansion in Northeast Philadelphia catered by Conroy Catering. Admission to the event, which draws more than 200 people annually and has raised close to $75,000 in its first three years, is a $100 donation per person, which includes dinner, an open bar and live music provided by The Slippery Band!  Proceeds will go to the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The inspiration for the event is Cecelia Schmidt, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. Cecelia’s parents, longtime Conshohocken residents Megan and Ed, developed the fundraiser to raise money and promote awareness about the developmental disease that affects an estimated one in every 100 children, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

In addition to their goal of raising another $20,000 this year, the Schmidts are extremely grateful for the tremendous support from their family and friends. “Our incredible family, friends and extended community have helped so much over the past few years to make this event successful,” said Megan. “The proceeds raised continue to fund groundbreaking developments in therapies, family support and ultimately a cause for this complex disorder.”

Raffles at the event include weeklong New Jersey shore vacation house rentals, eight tickets to the Penn State vs. Kent State football game, a weekend getaway for two to New Orleans, themed gift baskets, and more.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting friendsofceli.org. If you are interested in supporting Friends of Celi and Autism research but are unable to attend, you can make a donation on the “fundraising benefit” page on the website.