2 East Bay students inspire Warriors to host first ever Autism Awareness Night

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Thursday is World Autism Awareness Day and the hottest team in the NBA is marking the day at Oracle Arena tonight. Their special event is the result of a push by two East Bay teenagers.

Two students at Bentley School in Lafayette are the reason the Warriors are hosting the first Autism Awareness night.

"Having this night allows people to think about autism and ways they can help as a community," said Donia Ahmadi, a senior at Bentley School.

Donia Ahmadi, 18, and 17-year-old Jacqueline Golub have volunteered with autism organizations for the last couple of years, but Golub has been aware of the disorder all her life. Her older brother Victor was diagnosed as a toddler.

"I love Jaqueline and she's a princess," Victor said,

Victory, a 20-year-old, attends San Ramon Valley High School where he's enrolled in a program that teaches life skills and provides some job experience.

"He's inspired me to just be happy and never give upon your dreams," Golub said.

With Victor in mind, the girls approached the Warriors. The Golden State Warriors get lots of requests but community ambassador and former player Adonal Foyle says this one was compelling.

"I think it comes from such a genuine place that it's incumbent upon us to really embrace something like that," said Adonal Foyle, Warriors community ambassador.

Victor and several other young people will be on the court before tip-off Thursday night.

More than 300 special events tickets will be sold with a portion benefiting the nonprofit, autism speaks all this the result of a sister's love.

"He's always there for me," Golub said.

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