Autism Rallies the Arts

By K Street Kate in Around Town, Arts/Theatre, Charitable Involvement, Parties/Events, People · June 6, 2011

by Jordana Merran
Fashion, music and art met Saturday night at City Tavern Club in Georgetown in support of Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children, a nonprofit that operates group houses and offers therapy and support services to autistic individuals.
Based out of suburban Maryland, the group hoped to connect with the DC philanthropic community, said Georgetown Business Association vice-president and CSAAC Board member Rokas Beresniovas. Because raising awareness was more important than fundraising, “We wanted to provide value,” he said of the event-planning process.
He and fellow Host Committee members—individuals representing DC’s diverse political and business scene—did just that. Following a cocktail reception (anchored by a silent auction featuring artwork by CSAAC residents), guests heard a live performance from classical pianist Edvinas Minkstimas (a soon-to-be DCist, says the Lithuanian-born musician pictured at top left); and watched fashion collections from DC artist Don Patron, pictured top right, (inspired by the movie The Red Balloon, according to CSAAC’s Ayda Sanver) and designer Maggie Burgess of CAS Boutique.