GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR AUTISM TO HOST LIVE PRESENTATION AND PUBLIC SCREENING OF EMMY AWARD WINNING HBO DOCUMENTARY “AUTISM: THE MUSICAL”

For immediate release: On Wednesday, August 5th at 6:00 PM The Friendship Circle of Pacific Palisades-Malibu will screnn the Emmy Award winning HBO Documentary, “Autism: The Musical.” The film chronicles the lives of five autistic children and their parents over a period of seven to eight months, as well as their participation in The Miracle Project, a unique theatre arts program created by world renowned writer, director, therapist, educator Coach Elaine Hall (“Coach E”). The event will take place at the Theatre Palisades, and will be the only viewing prior to its screening for American Troops in Pakistan, as chosen by the United States Government. There will also be a live performance featuring some the stars of Autism, as well as a question and answer session with Coach Elaine, who has just recently been invited by the United Nations to be the Global Ambassador for Autism.

“This will be an informative evening for everyone who attends, not just those who are connected to kids with Autism,” says Moriel Zacks, Director of the Friendship Circle; the pioneering nationwide organization that pairs teen volunteers with special needs children. “I am big fan of the film and an even bigger admirer of Coach E and her work. I feel strongly that people have a responsibility on a human level to be informed and to hopefully get involved.”

Rabbi Zushe Cunin is Executive Director of Chabad of Pacific Palisades, which is the parent organization to the Friendship Circle. “This is an event that will affect the entire community in a profound and positive way,” he says. “We are truly blessed to have Elaine as a part of our community and we look forward to working together with The Miracle Project.”

The Theatre Palisades is located at 941 Temescal Canyon Rd, Pacific Palisades, 90272. Tickets can be purchased for $18 at www.fcpalisadesmalibu.org and will be sold for $23 at the door. Light refreshments will be served and seating is limited. All media inquiries contact Daniel Ferszt at Global Point Public Relations (866) 594-4777 or email news@globalpointpr.com.

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About the Film

Autism: The Musical is a call to arms, bringing attention to a modern-day epidemic while celebrating the value of the human spirit in overcoming any challenge. The film introduces Neal, Lexi, Henry, Adam and Wyatt – five autistic kids who, along with their parents, take part in a groundbreaking theatrical workshop. The Miracle Project was started by Neal’s mother Elaine Hall with an eye towards helping children with autism express themselves while learning to socialize with other kids. Over the course of six months, we experience the frustrations, challenges and triumphs of the families both on stage and in their home lives as they prepare for the show. The creative process provides a key to unlocking the children’s inner worlds. We also see how patience, understanding, love and community can be used to help children with autism better adapt to the world at large.

For more information, visit http://www.autismthemusical.com/ . For more information about The Miracle Project, visit http://www.themiracleproject.org/.

About the Friendship Circle

The Friendship Circle is a project of Chabad of Pacific Palisades. Its innovative and caring cause extends a helping hand to families who have children with special needs and involves them in a full range of social experiences. The Circle’s unique formula introduces teenage volunteers to the children and their families, and through the shared experiences, all are enriched.

The child with special needs looks forward to a weekly visit and the opportunity to play with and learn from their older friends.

The teenage volunteer learns the value of giving, and cherishes the experience of making a difference in a child’s life and bringing a smile to his or her face.

The child’s family gets a needed respite and the pleasure of seeing their child become a part of the community circle. The Friendship Circle is made up of five parts: volunteers, children, parents, staff, and supporters. The true beauty of the Circle is how we all link together to form a seamless circle of friendship. For more information, visit http://www.fcpalisadesmalibu.org/.