Tuesday, May 9, 2006, Pier Sixty Chelsea Piers between 19th & 20th Street on 12th Avenue, New York City--Autism Speaks Co-Founders NBC Universal CEO Bob Wright, his wife Suzanne Wright, Laura and Harry Slatkin and Marilyn and Jim Simons co-chaired "A New Decade for Autism," benefiting Autism Speaks. The evening began with cocktails at 7:00 PM, followed by dinner at 8:00 PM and the presentations at 9:15 PM. Tony Bennett performed to the delight of everyone, including by special request of a certain photographer (who happened to be taking most of these photos) "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" sans microphone. Stone Phillips, served as Master of Ceremonies. New York City Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein was the keynote speaker. Guests included actress Sela Ward, Meredith Viera, actor James Lesure, designer Vera Wang, Councilwoman Eva Moskowitz, newscaster Jim Watkins, Blaine Trump, Deeda Blair, Anne Ford,Beth Rudin de Woody,Bill Rudin, and James Tisch and Meryl Tisch. Major support for this event was provided by The Simons Foundation. The evening featured a documentary film made by Jim's wife, Lauren Thierry Watkins. Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of the growing autism epidemic and to raising money to fund scientists who are searching for a cure. The New York Center for Autism Charter School is New York State's first charter school dedicated exclusively to educating children with autism. PHOTO CREDIT: ©Manhattan Society.com 2006 by Gregory Partanio with assistance of Christopher London |tel:718.614.7740 |e-mail: PrinceGregory@manhattansociety.com MEDIA INQUIRIES: Roger Webster or Renee Lucas | R Couri Hay/ Creative Public Relations | 143 West 81st Street • New York City 10024 | Tel: 212-580-0835 • Fax: 212-721-3813 •tel: 212.829.0002 or e-mail: Roger Webster or Renee Lucas