Photo provided by the Gentry Foundation

Tickets for the Gentry Foundation for Autism’s annual fundraiser are now on sale. This year’s event will transport attendees to a world of mystery and intrigue in the form of a captivating Masquerade Ball slated for September 23.

Held at Warehouse215, 215 E. Grant St., in Phoenix, at 5:30 p.m., the elegant evening is set to feature gourmet catering from Creations in Cuisine, lively entertainment, and an atmosphere of whimsical elegance. It’s an opportunity for community members to don a mask, raise a glass, and support a brighter future for Arizona’s children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The funds raised from the gala will enable the Gentry Foundation to continue offering no-cost ASD evaluations to low-income families. The initiative has awarded over 500 scholarships so far, with hopes of extending further assistance to Arizona’s children and families in need.
Dr. Joseph Gentry, Ph.D., and his wife Sarah, co-owners of Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services, recognized the need for early intervention in the lives of children with autism. They founded the Gentry Foundation to decrease the age at which children in Arizona receive an initial evaluation for possible autism symptoms.

“The funds raised throughout the year and at our annual fundraising event, like this year’s Masquerade Ball, enable us to offer scholarships for free evaluations to families who cannot afford one,” says Dr. Gentry. “This year we are piloting our Family Liaison program, offering families free access to one of our liaisons who can guide parents through the challenging process of obtaining services and supports for their child post-diagnosis.”

Dr. Gentry, with 15 years of experience working with children with disabilities, such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioral challenges, has presented his research on topics related to applied behavior analysis, social skills, and autism spectrum disorders on a national level.

To learn more about the Gentry Foundation or to purchase tickets to the fundraiser, visit thegentryfoundation.org.