ABC of NC Event Advocates “A Different Kind of Cool”
According to Jack Gallagher, Emmy award winning actor, writer, comedian and parent of a child with autism, his son is “a different kind of cool.”
Gallagher discussed his son’s unique perspective at the ABC of NC Child Development Center “Gourmet Lunchbox Lunch” at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem on October 23rd. The entertainer appeared as the keynote speaker at the fundraiser for the school for children with autism in Winston-Salem.
“Everyone in this room wants to be cool, dress cool, act cool,” said Gallagher, “But my son Liam doesn’t care what you think. He’s a different kind of cool.”
Gallagher examined his role as the father of a unique young man and took a humorous and insightful look at how we accept each other’s differences.
“We all know cool when we see it. But it’s another thing trying to replicate it. Cool is original, cool is one of a kind,” he said.
Gallagher explained that he uses humor to help describe how families live with autism which now affects one out of every 88 individuals born today, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The developmental disorder is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.
The lunch for approximately 375 people also featured a celebration of the school’s 10th anniversary. During a rousing round of “Happy Birthday,” volunteers distributed logo cupcakes donated by Dewey’s bakery (see photo above) which were served along with a “gourmet lunchbox” of food from Milner’s American Southern Restaurant and a Grins beverage for each guest.
ABC of NC Child Development Center is a non-public, not-for-profit school providing educational services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their families. The school is committed to providing highly individualized educational services based on evidence-based practices in the field of autism treatment to children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. For more information, visit the website at www.ABCofNC.org.
Sponsored by ABC of NC
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