Sixth Grader Raises $800 For Autism Awareness

Inspired by a lifelong friend with autism, Nolan Schaffer, a sixth grader at invited kids across Long Valley to support his service project to Kick-It for a Cause to raise autism awareness and funds to support the eduction of autistic students in Morris County at the Park Lake School. 

"For most of my life, I’ve had a really good friend named Brian," Schaffer explains. "Brian has autism and he is unable to speak. A few years ago, though, Brian became able to communicate using a special program and computer keyboard and we found out all of the very cool things he had been thinking for the first time. I learned that he likes animals and that he hates it when his little brother gets into his stuff -- just like I do. When I’m with Brian, it always reminds me how lucky I am to be able to do everything I love and how hard it must be for him not to do all the things he might want to do. What I love to do most in the world and probably what I’m best at is playing soccer. So when Mr. Marciano asked us to change the world, I thought about Brian and other kids right here in Morris County with autism that we might help by raising awareness and money to support their education."

A dozen run by Nolan and his family on Friday, April 27, on the fields of LVMS, while more than 50 individuals, students, and families donated funds to support the effort. Andrew Pinelli, 13, of Long Valley was the kick-a-thon winner posting the fastest speed of 45 mph, while Samuel Pontier, 12, of Long Valley earned the top prize for the most sponsors. 

More than doubling the original goal to raise $400 through the after-school effort, the kick-a-thon has already generated in excess of $800 with more than a week to go before the donation deadline of May 10. 

Nolan is one of a number of LVMS students of Social Studies teacher Matt Marciano who have committed to in their own right by conducting volunteer and community service based efforts for projects of their choosing. For the third consecutive year, Marciano has asked that his students come up with a service project, research how to best conduct the effort, and see the idea to fruition before the end of May. 

For more information on donations to Kick-It-for-a-Cause, please contact cschaffe@mac.com. For more information on the Change the World Project, e-mail Matt Marciano at mmarciano@wtschools.org.

Information and photos provided by Crystal Schaffer.