Not Just a Fundraiser

Profiles of Our Community Event Organizers

In the coming months, Autism New Jersey is excited to be the beneficiary of some fun and unique community events. But these are more than just fundraisers. For the organizers, all parents of children with autism, they represent projects with a passion and purpose, inspired by their own incredible children.

Here's a glimpse of the people behind the events.

Silverball Gala – Play for Autism

March 2, 2013
Asbury Park, NJ

She's a Pinball Wizard

Rob Ilvento is the father of Morgan, his 21 year old daughter with autism. Morgan has had many ups and downs over the years, but one thing that her dad discovered to be a favorite pastime of hers was pinball. Playing pinball was an activity that entranced Morgan and engaged her for a half-hour at a time. Any parent of a child with autism knows how precious that can be! So, Rob purchased her first pinball machine when she was nine and has been collecting them ever since. Now, 12 years later, he owns the Silverball Museum Arcade in Asbury Park, NJ and is able to showcase his collection of more than 200 vintage machines, which Rob calls a true slice of Americana. To give back to the autism community and support his daughter’s cause, Rob is planning the 1st Annual Silverball Winter Gala at the museum.

Join Megan's dad for a fun-filled evening of games, food and fun on March 2>>

Jason & Dylan

Pinning Down Autism All-State Weekend Festival

March 15-17, 2013
West Orange, NJ

For His Son

As a lifelong wrestling competitor and coach and father of a 12 year old son, Dylan, who is severely affected by autism, Jason Bross had the vision to lead and inspire the powerful wrestling community to support the providers for families affected by autism in their own neighborhood. Pinning Down Autism was created in 2006 to bring awareness and aid to the autism community through wrestling tournaments and events across the country. Additionally, student athletes are encouraged to contribute their time and talents to the betterment of their community. With the All-State duals, the highest level scholar athletes come together from multiple states as a celebration of the sport wrestling and to benefit and highlight the outstanding work of Autism New Jersey and other providers.

Join Dylan's dad and take in some of the best high school wrestling on the East Coast on March 16 and 17>>

Anthony, Kathleen and Jackie Kelly

3rd Annual Spring Lake Gift Auction

April 19, 2013
Spring Lake, NJ

Tricky Tray Success Inspired by their "angel"

Anthony and Jackie Kelly feel blessed. Just ask them. Parents to 12 year old Kathleen, they credit their beautiful daughter with showing them and all those who meet her what unconditional love is all about. Supported by Autism New Jersey along their journey, they decided to plan a fundraiser to give back. For the third consecutive year, they are planning their “Spring Lake Gift Auction,” a tricky tray event that features tens of thousands of dollars in prizes. The impressive baskets that line the banquet tables at the Spring Lake Manor are abundant, but they aren’t the reason people flock to the event. They come to show their support for the Kelly family and Kathleen. Proud dad Anthony penned a poem that explains why. “So don’t call me special, I’d much rather lucky or blessed; because of any life lived, I think mine is the best.”

Celebrate Kathleen's mom and dad and take a chance on winning some great prizes on April 19>>

13th Annual Ride for Autism

June 8, 2013
Lincroft, NJ

The Last 20 Miles

The Ride for Autism has never been just about cycling. Founded by Andy Abere, dad to Spencer, the all-volunteer board is comprised of parents of children with autism who dedicate their time and talents to put together the event, now in its 13th year. “Every year there a moment during the ride that captures the spirit of all of our riders, donors, volunteers and sponsors who come together to raise not just money but also awareness,” Andy explains. “Last year it was when a mother who rode 100 miles finished. Her feet hurt, but she was so tired she could not even bend down to take off her shoes. We sat her down in one of our support vehicles, got her shoes off and heard her say to her son, ‘When I got to the 80 mile mark, I didn't think I could make it the last 20 miles. But then I thought of you and that inspired me to make it the rest of the way.’”

Get inspired to ride on June 8>>

Events

Plan Your Own Event
To learn more about how you can plan your own event to support our efforts on behalf of the autism community in New Jersey, download our Community Events Guidelines. Questions? Call Brynn Alberici at 609.588.8200 x21. To view upcoming Community Events, click here.

Plan Your Own Event

To learn more about how you can plan your own event to support our efforts on behalf of the autism community in New Jersey, download our Community Events Guidelines. Questions? Call Brynn Alberici at 609.588.8200 x21.

To view upcoming Community Events, click here.