Positively Parenting

Dozens of families were in attendance at the Beard School to cheer on a local hero who is supporting Chicago families touched by autism. Brian Campbell, Defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks and founder of Campbell for Kids, presented the Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks with a $50,000 check in support of its free resources and toolkits available for families.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Early this year, Campbell hosted a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament at Harrah's Horseshoe Casino to raise funds for his new foundation, Campbell for Kids. Campbell for Kids, a nonprofit organization, is a foundation established to raise funds for charities that serve children with special needs and learning disabilities throughout Chicago and the state of Illinois. "I wanted to find a way to give back to my community," said Campbell. "But more importantly, I wanted to focus on organizations that are near and dear to my heart." During this first year, the focus has been to raise funds for autism, and Brian named Autism Speaks and the Beard School as charity partners.

"Autism Speaks is thrilled to partner with Campbell for Kids," said Geof Vance, Chair of the Autism Speaks Chicagoland Chapter Board. "The inaugural Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and play poker with Chicago greats Tony Esposito, Jim McMahon, Patrick Kane, and of course, Brian Campbell and almost all of the other Stanley Cup-winning Blackhawk players, while raising funds to support families affected by autism right here in the Chicagoland area," said Vance. "With the help of Campbell for Kids and the celebrities and others who participated in the tournament, we have been able to increase the number of resources and help many more families when they need us most."

Autism Speaks offers free resources and toolkits to families touched by autism, made possible through the generous support of donors, including Campbell for Kids. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit and the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Tool Kit are offered to newly-diagnosed families to make the best possible use of the 100 days following their child's diagnosis.

Families whose children have been diagnosed in the last six months may request a complimentary hard copy of the 100 Day Kit or the AS/HFA Tool Kit by calling 888-AUTISM2 (888-288-4762) and speaking with an Autism Response Team Coordinator. The toolkit is available, along with many other resources, for download online at www.AutismSpeaks.org.

Campbell announced details for the 2011 Texas Hold 'Em Tournament, which will take place on January 18, 2011 at The Venue, located inside Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. "The support from my friends, teammates and the people of Chicago was tremendous. I look forward to growing my charity again this year and continuing to help kids and families in the Chicagoland area," said Campbell.

Similar to last year's event, guests will enjoy a star-filled gaming experience with tournament players that include members of the Chicago Blackhawks, Blackhawks Alumni, other celebrities and professional athletes. "As an added benefit to participants, any player who is responsible for eliminating an athlete or celebrity player from the tournament will literally get the Blackhawk's jersey off his back," said Campbell. Admission is $150 and includes drinks and dining, up-close tournament viewing, live casino gaming, entertainment and auctions with one of a kind packages. The Poker Tournament "buy-in" is an additional $175.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the last standing tournament players.

For more information about the event and purchasing tickets, visit www.campbellforkids.org.