March 30, 2008

This sold-out event, held at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, raised $1.8 million to benefit Autism Speaks. Host renowned journalist and author Tom Brokaw introduced speakers Donald Trump, an event co-chair along with wife Melania, followed by Florida Governor Charlie Crist, and Suzanne and Bob Wright, the co-founders of Autism Speaks. The audience was on their feet for much of the concert that featured Richie’s most beloved and acclaimed hits, both as a solo performer and as a member of the Commodores.

Ginger Donnan was a go-to person for Autism Speaks during an important time of transition in our events department. One month before our first Chef Gala, she came on board to project manage the event logistics so that the committee could focus on it’s goal to raise over $1 million. Ginger then came on board to oversee the staff roles, timeline and logistics for the $1.8 million Concert for Autism Speaks featuring Lionel Richie and was instrumental in making the entire process flow smoothly. She has been an asset to our organization and I recommend her skills and services to others. – Glenn Tringali, Former Executive Vice President, Autism Speaks, April 2008