Submitted by Eric Sokolsky
The Somerset Patriots have teamed up with the Borough of Fanwood and Rockin’ For Autism to celebrate Fanwood Community Day on May 20, 2018, where the Patriots will take on the Long Island Ducks at TD Bank Park. The event is designed to bring the local Fanwood community together over a fun afternoon of baseball, while raising awareness and funds for Autism New Jersey.
The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and Mallory Banks, a 16-year-old Fanwood resident and Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School sophomore, who, since 2011, has raised more than $35,000 in honor of her brother, Ethan, and others affected by autism spectrum disorder. Miss Banks, whose dedication created the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival, has been an Autism Awareness Junior Ambassador for the past seven years, and consistently ranks among the top young adults in New Jersey who raise money for April’s Autism Awareness Month. “Fanwood is excited to be able to support the Somerset Patriots and we’re proud to partner with them and Rockin’ For Autism to bring together Fanwood’s deep love for baseball and compassion for those affected with autism spectrum disorders,” said Mayor Mahr. “Thousands of people attend the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival in Fanwood each year, and I hope that they will join us again at TD Bank Park for America’s favorite pastime and to support a great cause.”
“Rockin’ For Autism is incredibly proud to partner with the Somerset Patriots to raise awareness and funds for autism awareness, and we look forward to having its mascot, Sparky, liven up the crowd at our music festival on April 14,” said Jeff Banks, co-chairman of Rockin’ For Autism. “We’re equally proud to participate in Fanwood Community Day activities with the Patriots, to say ‘thanks’ to Mayor Mahr and everyone else from Fanwood and the surrounding towns for their generosity and support.”
The game against the Long Island Ducks kicks off at 1:05 p.m. Tickets for the event are $11.50 and can be purchased at somersetpatriots.com/tickets/groupportal/ and entering Portal Code: Fanwood. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit Autism New Jersey, the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
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. For more information, or to donate, volunteer, sponsor or exhibit at the event, please contact info@rockin4autism.org, visit rockin4autism.org or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/rockinforautism), Twitter (@rockin4autism) and Instagram (@rockin_for_autism). Help us spread the word via our hashtag #rockin4autism2018.
