(above) The BStreet Band, the original Bruce Springsteen tribute band, will be headlining the 4th Annual Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at LaGrande Park in Fanwood.
Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band to Headline Fourth Annual Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival
The organizers of the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival announced that its 2018 fundraising efforts resulted in it becoming the top autism awareness fundraiser for Autism New Jersey (autismnj.org). The third annual music festival raised more than $17,500 – an increase of more than 30% from 2017. Highlights from last year’s festival can be found at rockin4autism.org.
In addition, Rockin’ For Autism also announced that its fourth annual music festival will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at La Grande Park (200 La Grande Avenue, Fanwood, NJ), headlined by The BStreet Band, the original Bruce Springsteen tribute band.
Rockin’ For Autism is the brainchild of 17-year-old Fanwood resident Mallory Banks, who since 2011 has raised more than $52,000 in honor of her brother, Ethan (age 19). Miss Banks, an Autism Awareness Junior Ambassador for the past eight years, ranks among the top young adults who raise money for autism in New Jersey. Over the past three years, the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival has raised more than $41,000 through its merchant raffles, silent auctions, bake sales, event sponsorships, donations and other fundraising activities.
“Autism New Jersey is incredibly grateful for the broad community awareness and fundraising efforts generated by the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival and the Banks family,” said Ellen Schisler, Associate Executive Director of Autism New Jersey. “Through their support, and the support of all of our donors, Autism New Jersey has been able to provide much-needed services and programs to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder. But we are particularly proud of the ongoing commitment and dedication shown by Mallory Banks in support of our mission.”
As in years past, the festival will feature music from a variety of local bands and artists, a wide assortment of food trucks and local restaurants, a beer garden sponsored by Sheelen’s Crossing, a boulevard of local merchants and vendors, plus street performers, costumed characters and lots of fun activities for families.
“Last year, thousands of people attended The Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival to hear great music, eat great food and support a great cause, and because of them, Rockin’ For Autism reached a major fundraising milestone,” said Jeff Banks, father of Mallory and Ethan and co-chairman of the event. “This year’s festival will have more music, more food, more activities and attractions, and everything else that makes Rockin’ For Autism such a great family-friendly event. Our goal this year is to raise $20,000 for Autism New Jersey so we hope the community will join us in this effort.”
Rockin’ For Autism is actively seeking volunteers, vendors, merchant donations and corporate sponsors. For more information, or to donate, volunteer, sponsor or exhibit at the event, please contact info@rockin4autism.org.
About Rockin’ For Autism
Rockin’ For Autism is an annual music festival dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Autism New Jersey, the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Since its inception in 2015, the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival has raised more than $41,000 for autism-related services and programming. Please visit us on Facebook or rockin4autism.org, and follow us on Instagram (@Rockin_for_Autism) and Twitter (@Rockin4Autism).
Submitted by Eric Sokolsky
(above) Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr (left) joins Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival volunteers in presenting a $17,500 check to Ellen Schisler of Autism New Jersey (4th from left). Rockin’ For Autism was Autism New Jersey’s top autism awareness fundraiser in 2018
