Dinner of Hope 2021 - Celebrate What Makes You Shine

This year we are observing Asperger Works’ 9^th Anniversary with a fundraising event. Normally, we would be highlighting the successes of the past year. But, COVID-19 prevented us from achieving any of our goals. So, we are celebrating our resilience in the face of this national adversity and provide information to our attendees of the continued challenges our clients and our organization face. We are also applauding everyone with our theme, "Believe in What Makes You Shine!"

But above all, it is a time to commend people and organizations that make major contributions to our community and/or to Asperger Works. Each year we grant three awards: the Bryan Noble Award, which recognizes an individual for their strong advocacy on behalf of the disabled community of Massachusetts; the Asperger Works Award, which recognizes an individual for their staunch advocacy work on behalf of the autistic community, especially those with Asperger’s; and the Community Service Award that recognizes a local organization for its work on behalf of the disabled community.

Featured will be our keynote speakers AG Maura Healey and Congresswoman Lori Trahan.

Although the basic premise of the event is serious, the evening will be also filled with fun. Stephanie Beach of Stephanie Beach Magic will entertain the young and the young at heart with her wonderful comedic magic. Acoustically Speaking, a band with personal connection to autism, will provide the music for both those who just want to listen and those who want to dance. Tim Coco, the executive director of Haverhill’s own radio station, WHAV-FM, will reprise his role as master of ceremonies. And, of course, we cannot forget about our ever-popular 50/50 raffle and our equally well-liked silent auction, sponsored by KBK Sports.

This year’s dinner was made possible by the generosity of our Diamond Sponsor Pentucket Bank, our Gold Sponsor Fred Simmons, our Silver Sponsor Enterprise Bank, and our Bronze Sponsor Northeast Independent Living Program.