A Night to Remember: Spotlight on the Stars
The city of Houston recently witnessed the debut of Spectrum Fusion’s inaugural Spotlight on the Stars event, held at The Junior League of Houston on October 9. This glamorous evening was attended by over 200 guests, all of whom were dressed to impress in their Hollywood-inspired attire.
Red Carpet Treatment
As guests arrived, they were greeted by a red carpet and a heartfelt opening video created by Spectrum Fusion’s media team, comprising 20 autistic adults working in various creative fields such as videography, illustration, and copywriting. The energy in the room was palpable, and before the first course could be served, a surprise Great Gatsby-style flash mob took the stage, getting everyone in the mood for a fantastic night.
Star-Studded Performances
The evening’s entertainment was kicked off by a dynamic performance of "Fame" by Grammy-nominated Broadway star Ashley Támar Davis. Later, Davis invited the media team onstage for a symbolic Walk of Fame, where each member was asked to share one thing they needed that day. The honest and moving responses, such as "to not be seen as a label" and "to get a good job with benefits," brought the crowd to its feet. Davis closed the segment with an emotional performance of "This is Me."
The Mission Behind the Magic
Courtney Zubowski, host of Texas & Me, emceed the evening and introduced Spectrum Fusion founder Dr. Heidi Stieglitz Ham, calling her the visionary behind the mission. Dr. Ham shared the nonprofit’s goal of providing meaningful employment and connection for autistic adults. She also recognized the key supporters, including her husband Bilen Ham, underwriter Lisa Strieter, and board member Gina Angulo.
Personal Stories of Triumph
Media team illustrator Rachel Joanna spoke about her journey from working in retail to publishing 20 books with Spectrum Fusion’s guidance. Houston Rockets chaplain Mike Rosas offered a heartfelt blessing, encouraging guests to "find the thin gold line within the rock." The Community Partner Awards were presented to Jersey Mike’s West Gray Team, River Oaks Theatre, and Energytech Nexus.
Fundraising and Fun
A video titled "What Employment Means to Me" set the tone for a spirited live auction led by Traci Yeaman, featuring luxe trips, VIP experiences, and a private shopping session with Project Runway’s Chloe Dao. Guests captured memories with interactive photo booths before closing out the night on the dance floor with DJ Cory Baum. The evening raised over $263,000 to expand Spectrum Fusion’s media team and empower more autistic creatives.
Conclusion
The inaugural Spotlight on the Stars event was a resounding success, shining a light on the talented individuals supported by Spectrum Fusion. With its mission to provide meaningful employment and connection for autistic adults, the nonprofit is making a significant impact in the community. As the evening came to a close, guests left with full hearts and a newfound appreciation for the importance of inclusion and support. The event’s success is a testament to the power of community and the impact that can be made when people come together to support a worthy cause.
