Bulgari x KNOWAutism – Houston Charity Event
Iris Covet Book had the privilege of attending a Bulgari-hosted charity event in their beautiful Houston Galleria boutique. The event was in support of the Houston-based organization ‘KNOWAutism,’ where a portion of sales proceeds was donated to the charity. Dr Sippi Khurana, Stephanie von Stein, and Meghan Bailey (Director of Luxury for Simon Malls) curated the “Bulgari’s Favorite Things” jewelry chosen to showcase that evening. Up-and-coming opera singer Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen performed, and it was clear why he has been inducted as the first ever countertenor to the Houston Grand Opera Studio. The 23-year-old gave a stunning performance of two arias that left the audience on the brink of tears. KNOWAutism used the opportunity to spread awareness of their work and ongoing mission.
Above: Opera singer Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen
The organization was founded in 2013 with the goal of helping families of children with autism better navigate the process of diagnosis, treatment, intervention, and education. Efforts were initially focused on creating an online library of resources, connecting families with support and services, and raising awareness about autism, especially in communities with language barriers.
In the past 4 years, KNOWAutism has funded numerous projects in the community, both large and small. Early on, KNOWAutism recognized the need for a specialized center in Houston that could provide comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and early intervention for children with autism. To meet this need, the Foundation provided funding to help launch The Stewart Center at The Westview School in 2013. A few years later, KA provided a small grant to Centro De Autismo Cozumel in Mexico for their autism diagnostic program. In partnership with the Pasadena Rotary Foundation, the grant covered diagnostic testing for 400 children at the center.
Above: Dr. Sippi Khurana
As the organization became more established, they shifted their focus to providing direct financial assistance to families and supporting community efforts to serve special needs children. In the past three years, KNOWAutism has also created community partnerships that serve autistic children and their families. The largest of these partnerships is with TUTS/The River, through which they helped create the Community Arts Residencies, which has brought inclusive fine arts education into elementary school campuses. KNOWAutism also stepped up to serve the Houston community in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. In addition to coordinating donations to the community, KNOWAutism also partnered with special education teachers whose homes and/or classrooms were damaged by the storm to help them replace needed supplies for their public-school students. With a grant from the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, KNOWAutism was able to provide additional financial assistance for therapeutic treatments and care related to autism for families impacted by the disaster.
KNOWAutism is adapting to meet the evolving needs of the autism community, as well as the Houston community as a whole. Their commitment to continuing to serve the ASD community today, tomorrow, and every day to come is truly inspiring and will greatly benefit Houston for years to come.
For more information, including how to donate, please visit www.know-autism.org.
All photos by JhanePhotography.com
Above: Meghan Bailey, Director of Luxury for Simon Malls
Above: Stephanie Von Stein
Calligraphy Tent cards notes “Sippi’s Favorite”, “Meghan’s Favorite” and “Stephanie’s Favorite”