Volunteers Needed For Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival

FANWOOD, NJ — The third annual Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival will be held on April 14 to promote Autism Awareness Month and raise funds for autism research.

The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m in Fanwood’s LaGrande Park. Volunteers are currently being sought to help with a variety of organizational and logistical tasks from now through the day of the event. To volunteer, contact info@rockin4autism.org.

The event is the brainchild of 16-year-old Fanwood resident Mallory Banks, who, since 2011, has raised more than $35,000 in honor of her brother, Ethan, 18, and all those affected by autism spectrum disorder. (See Related: Fanwood Teen Is Brainchild Behind Rockin' For Autism)

Banks, an Autism Awareness Junior Ambassador for the past seven years, consistently ranks among the top young adults in New Jersey who raise money for Autism Awareness Month. Last year’s event raised more than $13,000, but this year Banks is looking to raise more than $50,000.

“I’m incredibly excited about Rockin’ for Autism 2018. This cause is important because I care and want
to raise awareness and funds to help people on the autism spectrum,” said Mallory, a sophomore at
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. “The support of Fanwood and the local towns is overwhelming. All
of the local merchants are always 100 percent behind us, which gives me a lot of confidence that this year’s
event will surpass last year. We’re looking forward to a great day filled with great music, great food
and a lot of fun for everyone.”

Last year's festival featured six local bands, a DJ, and performances by renown special needs music therapist Jammin’ Jenn and the Cindy Smith Dance Studio.

Edibles and refreshments were also provided by six food trucks and local restaurants, including Nick’s Pizza, Rocko’s Ice Cream, Fanwood Grille, The Empanada Guy, The Juice House, Red, White and Que, and the annual Rockin’ For Autism bake sale.

A beer garden was provided by Sheelen’s Crossing, and New Jersey American Water provided bottled water for the event.

Among the other main attractions included the popular Child’s Play Challenge Course, the ‘Chill Zone’
quiet room, therapy dogs, and booths and exhibits from various non-profits and local merchants. In
addition, more than 75 merchants contributed goods and services worth more than $13,600 to the
festival’s raffle.

For more information on the event visit www.rockin4autism.org.

(Images via Eric Sokolsky: Last year's festival.)

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