Teen’s music festival supports autism programs

Mallory Banks, the 14-year-old organizer of the Rockin’ For Autism Music Festival, said she wanted to do something “bigger and better” this year to raise funds for those affected by autism spectrum disorder.

Mission accomplished: The April 16 event in LaGrande Park in Fanwood raised more than $10,200 to support autism services in New Jersey, more than doubling what Mallory, an Autism Awareness Junior Ambassador, had raised from 2011 through 2015, all in honor of her brother Ethan, 16, and others dealing with autism spectrum disorder.

Several hundred people packed into the venue to listen to music from local bands and entertainment provided by Main Source DJs; music therapist Jammin’ Jenn; and the Cindy Smith Dance Studio. The full-day event also featured refreshments and local vendors and autism workshops and clinics.

Mallory, a Fanwood resident and member of Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains, said while the bake sales and raffles she has organized in the past have been successful fund-raisers, “this year I wanted to do something bigger and better, and get more of the community involved.”

All proceeds go to AutismNJ, a network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

On-line donations may be made at crowdrise.com/rockin-for-autism-2016/fundraiser/rockinforautism2016.