Fanwood Teen Is Brainchild Behind Rockin’ For Autism

FANWOOD, NJ — What started as a bake sale in 2011 by a Fanwood teen has turned into a full-fledge rocking concert to raise awareness and funds for autism.

Rockin’ For Autism is the brainchild of 15-year-old Fanwood resident Mallory Banks, who since 2011 has raised more than $20,000 for Autism New Jersey. Now Rockin’ For Autism is returning for its second year in Fanwood on Saturday and is bigger and better than ever.

It all began in 2011 when Banks held a bake sale at a local soccer field on behalf of her brother Ethan who is diagnosed with Autism.

(The Banks Family. Fifteen-year-old Mallory Banks (2nd from right) has raised more than $20,000 for Autism New Jersey on behalf of her brother Ethan (left) with the help of their parents, Jeff and Gina.)

“I wanted to create something for autism and wanted to help kids with autism especially my brother who has it," Banks told Patch. "I just care about kids with autism a lot.”

Her bake sale raised $500 and she decided to do it again the following year. Each year more people got involved by donating baked goods or donating money towards autism. With much enthusiasm, Banks approached Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and came up with the idea of Rockin’ For Autism.

Run solely on volunteers the first year of the festival raised $10,500 for Autism New Jersey, which is more than doubling what she had raised in previous years through the bake sale.

Banks is astounded by the success of what her efforts have become.

“At first I didn’t think it would go further than a bake sale,” Banks said. “I sat down couple of times with my dad and had meaningful talks about the event and he always said to me, ‘Nothing is impossible. It could be as big as you make it as long as you put the hard work into it and make it happen.’ ”

This year the festival will feature six local bands, a wide selection of food vendors, local merchants and non-profit organizations, an obstacle course, soccer and basketball clinics, a giant merchant tricky tray raffle, a huge bake sale and more.

(Kids enjoying an obstacle course from Child’s Play Challenge Courses.)

New additions this year include a beer garden (from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.), pet therapy dogs and a quiet room with less intense activities where people can go to desensitize if needed.

The event also coincides with the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Baseball Opening Day ceremony, so all together they are expecting a large crowd again from all the local towns.

“I’m very proud of her, she is great with kids with special needs,” said Gina Banks, Mallory’s mother and Warren Middle School Language Arts teacher. “She is great with her brother. If she sees anyone with a physical or mental disability she will go to them. I totally love that about her. She is completely amazing, I am super proud of her.”

The second annual Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival will be held on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at LaGrande Park, 200 LaGrande Ave.

For more information visit www.rockin4autism.org.

(Images provided)

Photo 1 - The Banks Family. Fifteen-year-old Mallory Banks (2nd from right) has raised more than $20,000 for Autism New Jersey on behalf of her brother Ethan (left) with the help of their parents, Jeff and Gina.

Photo 2 - Mallory Banks.

Photo 3 - One of the many kid friendly attractions at the Rockin For Autism Music Festival last year.

Photo 4 - The Empanada Guy is one of the many food trucks and vendors returning to the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival on April 29 at LaGrande Park in Fanwood.

Photo 5 - Kids enjoying an obstacle course from Child’s Play Challenge Courses.

Photo 6 - Some of the many delicious baked goods for sale at the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival last year.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.