AEIOU News

Help children with autism by joining us for lunch

Fri, 16 Oct 09

AEIOU is a registered charity that operates autism-specific preschools across Queensland including one in Harristown that was named in honour of local GP, Dr Rhonda Greensill earlier this year.

Hosted by WIN news presenter Marita Ramia, Under the Jacarandas will appeal to people from  all over Toowoomba due to its beautiful and relaxed setting in the gardens of Gip’s Restaurant.

Under the Jacarandas aims to raise money for the Lynn Wright Memorial Fund, a scholarship program provided by AEIOU to enable children diagnosed with autism to benefit from early intervention support.

Event Coordinator, Caroline Ruddy said “Under the Jacarandas provides a wonderful chance to get together with friends whilst raising money for a good cause”. 

Ms Ruddy said “the menu has been specially designed for the event by Gip’s Restaurant and will be complimented by fine wines from Craggy Range in New Zealand,”

“Our guests are encouraged to wear their favourite hat or headpiece and enter our ‘hat-tastic’ competition. A panel of judges will pick a winner who will take home a special prize. Of course hats aren’t compulsory but they add an element of fun to the event,” she said.

“We also have a few other lovely surprises for our lunch guests including a chance to win a $4000 Tahitian pearl necklace from Anthony’s Fine Jewellery and a millinery masterpiece by Johanna Guerin,” she said.

Other prizes for auction include your own personal chef from Gip’s for a BBQ lunch (valued at $1000), outdoor furniture, accommodation packages and more.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition affecting an estimated 1 in every 160 Australian children. Although there is no cure for autism, there is hope for the families it impacts.  Research shows early intervention is helping young children with autism learn to speak and interact with the world around them.

Tickets are $95 or $900 for tables of 10 so book early to avoid missing out. The RSVP date is 23 October.  Tickets are available online at www.aeiou.org.au or phone 1300 727 193.

A number of Toowoomba businesses have supported Under the Jacarandas for 2009. They include Simon National Carriers, Gip’s Restaurant, Johanna Guerin and Cracker Printing.