About the competition
Autism’s Got Talent Michigan is more than an online talent competition and fundraiser – it’s a celebration of ability. The Hope Network Foundation invites autistic children and young adults throughout Michigan to showcase their talents and take a chance at several prizes.
Your Virtual Host
Anthony Ianni
Award-winning speaker, author, and former Michigan State basketball player
At the age of 4, Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which is on the Autism Spectrum. Doctors said he was unlikely to do the things he and his family dreamed of – to go to college, be an athlete, and live independently. Anthony was determined to change that outlook, working hard with the support of family, teachers, and coaches. He went on to attend and play basketball at Grand Valley State, then Michigan State, where he was part of a team that won two Big Ten Championships. Today, he has pledged his life and career to helping those who face similar challenges, telling his story across the country.
The Judges
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Dan Miller has been Sports Director at Fox2 for the past 25 years. You can catch him weeknights at 5, 6, 10 and 11pm keeping you up to date on everything happening in Detroit. He has also been the voice of the Detroit Lions for the past 17 years, and hosts Lions Game Day Live before every game on Fox2. Dan and his wife live in metro Detroit and have four grown children and a house full of dogs and cats.
Dan Miller, Fox2
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Brian Calley is passionate about making the world work better for all people, a passion that shines through with his ongoing autism advocacy. Currently the President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, he previously served as Michigan’s 63rd Lieutenant Governor from 2011-2018. Prior to that, Brian served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, two terms as an Ionia County commissioner, and also worked for over a decade in community banking.
Brian Calley
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Fredi and Romina Bello are autism advocates and parents of three. Known to most as “Fredi the Pizzaman,” Fredi has been making and serving delicious pizza in Southeast Michigan for over 40 years, including his popular lunch restaurant in Melvindale, while Romina is a critical care physical therapist in Detroit. Together, they founded the Fredi the Pizzaman Foundation in 2016 after identifying the need for sensory rooms in schools. The foundation has completed 38 sensory rooms in Michigan schools to date, providing nearly $70,000 in sensory and motor learning equipment.
Fredi and Romina Bello
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To Be Announced
About Hope Network
Hope Network is a nonprofit serving nearly 35,000 people with disabilities or disadvantages each year. We have more than 240 locations throughout Michigan, including four Center for Autism locations in Kentwood, East Lansing, Holland, and Livonia. Learn more at Hope Network.