SEATTLE, June 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celebrating the power of inclusion for people of all abilities, autism memoir author Monica Holloway, of Cowboy & Wills [Simon & Schuster], will serve as keynote speaker during Northwest Center's Annual Golden Hearts Luncheon on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel located at 1400 6th Avenue in Seattle, WA.
The Golden Hearts Luncheon is the largest fundraising event benefitting Northwest Center, a leader in advancing equal opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
"I am deeply honored to keynote the Golden Hearts Luncheon, and wholeheartedly support the wonderful mission of the Northwest Center," says autism memoir author Monica Holloway. "Having a son on the autism spectrum, I understand firsthand the vast importance of inclusion, understanding and acceptance for those with disabilities."
Anticipating 700 attendees including Northwest Center partners, supporters, families and community leaders, the luncheon will share the latest news and progress on Northwest Center programs, feature inspiring speakers such as Holloway, and the 2013 William O. Ellison Award will be presented.
A VIP reception will begin at 11 a.m. and the lunch and program will start at 12 p.m.
Signed copies of Cowboy & Wills will be available for sale during the VIP reception and Holloway will offer a book signing following the event.
There is no cost to attend the luncheon but guests are encouraged to make a donation. Donations of $300 or more will be matched, and all proceeds will benefit Northwest Center's programs serving people with developmental disabilities throughout the community.
For media inquiries, including interview requests with Holloway, contact Jess Block, publicist, at jessblockpr@gmail.com or 909-706-8525.
For more information on the event, visit http://nwcenterfoundation.org/events/golden-hearts-luncheon/ or contact Hilary Anderson, Events Manager, at handerson@nwcenter.org or 206-378-6372.
ABOUT MONICA HOLLOWAY: Monica Holloway is the bestselling author of Cowboy & Wills, a Mother's Choice Award's Gold recipient, and the critically-acclaimed author of the memoir Driving With Dead People, described by Newsweek as "unforgettable," Glamour christened "a classic," and the Washington Post deemed "irresistible." Holloway lives with her son Wills and husband Michael Price, Co-Executive Producer of The Simpsons, in California. www.monicaholloway.com
ABOUT COWBOY & WILLS: Cowboy & Wills tells the story of the golden retriever puppy that changed Monica Holloway's disabled son's life by becoming his very first friend and coaxing him out into the world. Cowboy & Wills is published by Simon & Schuster. www.cowboyandwills.com www.facebook.com/cowboyandwills
ABOUT NORTHWEST CENTER: Since 1965, Northwest Center has been a leader in advancing equal opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Northwest Center's mission is to promote the growth, development and independence of people with disabilities through programs of education, rehabilitation and work opportunity. Northwest Center touches the lives of nearly 1,000 families each year. www.nwcenter.org