The History and Mission of the Teamsters Local 25 Autism Gala
The Teamsters Local 25 Autism Fund was established in 2006 to promote awareness and raise funds for autism research. Since its inception, the Gala has not only served as a major autism awareness event, but also a critical fundraiser for local programs that help people with autism.
The Light up the Night Gala honors individuals and groups who are working to educate the public about autism, largely considered the fastest growing medical threat to children, with one in 68 children and one in 54 boys being diagnosed annually.
About Teamsters Local 25
Teamsters Local 25 – and our membership of more than 12,500 men and women – believe that the community as a whole is an integral piece of the puzzle in taking us one step further towards finding a cure for autism. It is our job in the workplace, but also in the community, to bring attention to this disorder and in the last 14 years have raised several million dollars for autism research and awareness. Our members are from Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, and our fundraisers have included walks, motorcycles rides, golf tournaments and an annual Gala. To learn more about Teamsters Local 25, please visit www.teamsterslocal25.com.
Entertainment
The Zoo
Back for a second year for the Autism Gala, The Zoo has been entertaining crowds up and down the Northeast since 1994. Their skyrocketing popularity has been highlighted appearances on MTV, where they reached the winners platform on MTV’s Ultimate Cover Band contest. They have also performed at Fenway Park as part of the National Hockey League’s “Winter Classic.” Nobody knows how to keep a party going like front man and founding member, Randall John. He and female lead vocalist Ginger DeVito front this powerhouse of a band. A visit to The Zoo has never been so much fun.
Cindy Fitzgibbon
WCVB-TV chief meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon has been reporting the weather to Bostonians for the past 20 of her 25 years on air. In 2017 she won a regional Emmy award for outstanding achievement in weather broadcasting and has won an Associated Press award for “Best Weathercast.” Cindy has also made guest appearances on ABC News filling in on World News Tonight and Good Morning America. Cindy is involved with and devotes her time to organizations that promote science education, particularly young girls, including the Discovery Museum “Smart Gals” Program, the Jr. Sci-Tech Girl STEM Expo, and the Science Club for Girls and makes frequent “Weather Visits” to schools across the area to educate students about the weather.
Boston Higashi School Jazz Band
Led by students at the Boston Higashi School in Randolph, the jazz band has played at our gala for several years. After a Covid-hiatus, we are excited to welcome them back tonight!
Joe Sax Boston
Joe Sax Boston, aka Joe Sparkes, has played at over 600 games and concerts outside TD Garden, since 2017. He has twice performed the National Anthem on the saxophone for the Boston Celtics and plays throughout the region at weddings, private events and fundraisers.
Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drum Bands
Premier pipes and drums band that can be found throughout Massachusetts performing in parades, charity events and to honor firefighters in memoriam. The Teamsters Local 25 Autism Gala is one of the band’s annual charitable events they perform in.
