We Rock For Autism Festival
Thanks to the Gaston Gazette for the story they recently ran about the festival.
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20180522/cramerton-site-for-autism-music-festival
On Saturday, October 6th 2018, there will be a rally, festival, fundraiser to promote autism awareness and the power of music through music therapy for children and adults with autism or other special needs. The event will take place in Cramerton, NC at Centennial Center Park, across the street from the public access bridge to Goat Island.
I am working in conjunction with a non-profit group located in Southern Florida called
WE ROCK FOR AUTISM
Learn more about them by visiting their website @
www.werockforautism.org
Or visit and like them on Facebook @
http://www.facebook.com/WeRockforAutism
Money raised through this campaign will help cover upfront costs for the event including permits, supplies, promotional items, merchandise, sound equipment rentals, and other materials and services that will be required to put on the biggest and best event possible.
To give you a quick description of what is planned, it will be an afternoon of information, demonstrations, live music, giveaways, food, fun, and games. We will be inviting local music therapists to come and give demonstrations of their techniques and services as well as asking any local autism and special needs therapy and service providers to come out and share information about what they have to offer.
There will also be live music performances and we'll give anyone who wants to get up and strut their stuff the opportunity to perform karaoke style to their favorite musical tracks.
Planning is in the early stages so additional attractions may be added.
Fundraising efforts are beginning now because there is a lot of work and planning to be done and we want to give ourselves plenty of time to get all our ducks in a row so there are no last minute expenses or surprises.
WHO AM I?
Oh by the way, my name is Doug Canipe and I have a son who is on the Autism Spectrum. I'm also a huge music lover and I know how much my son enjoys music and how the sounds, beats, melodies, and different tempos and moods of music can affect and benefit children and adults with special needs or other issues related to stress, depression, developmental and emotional disabilities, and sensory issues.
When I came across the WE ROCK FOR AUTISM website I was immediately attracted to and impressed by what they were doing. I ordered a few t-shirts from their website and reached out to see if I could help out and be of part of what they were doing in any way. I saw that they were putting on fundraising events in Florida and asked if I could do something here in my neck of the woods with their support and assistance. They said sure....so here we are!
Everyone either has someone in their family or at least knows someone with Autism or other special needs and I hope you can all help to spread the word to others and donate if you are able. Any amount helps. $3000 is the initial goal but if we can go above and beyond that, it would be awesome!
Not a dime will be wasted and everything will be going to a great cause!
AND WHERE WILL MONEY RAISED BY THE FESTIVAL BE GOING?
Current plans for any money raised by the festival will be to donate to a local music therapist or therapists in Gaston County and surrounding areas in the form of funding and equipment as well as providing those with a need but without insurance the opportunity to particapate in one or a series of music therapy sessions that will be paid for in full or partially depending on individual situations.
I also hope to be able to donate to Gaston County Special Olympics and begin a fund for a WE ROCK FOR AUTISM chapter in North Carolina to help with additional local Gaston County fundraising, awareness, and just for fun events in the future.
Some ideas are bowling nights, musical hikes and nature walks, concerts at local music venues, and the creation of one or possibly a series of singalong kid friendly rock and roll compact discs and downloadable songs.
The sky is the limit but all will be dependent on the amount of money we can raise.
Of course, a portion will also be going directly to the WE ROCK FOR AUTISM founders to assist them with what they are doing in the South Florida area.
Anyone donating any amount will have their name listed in the event program that will be available for people who attend.
Anyone donating $50 or more will receive an event t-shirt. These will be delivered to you a few weeks before the event.
If you aren't able to donate, you can also help by clicking the share buttons at the top of the page and posting it on your social media pages. Tell your friends, spread the word!
Thank you so much, more information coming soon!
NOTE: I'm looking to make contact with local music therapists and other autism and special needs service providers who might be interested in coming out and taking part in this festival. I'm in the process of speaking with people now but if you know someone, please tell them to contact me by calling or texting (704) [phone redacted]
