Though Autism Awareness Month is not until April, The Mosaic Foundation for Autism is encouraging people to get a jumpstart on helping the autism community with the introduction of its signature Performing Artists for Autism Education Inaugural Concert. Delivering an evening of live rock folk music performed by folk rock singers and songwriters Peter Case and Joe Iadanza, the show, which will be held on Friday, March 18th at the Landmark Theater in Port Washington, NY at 8:00 p.m., will raise money to help bridge the development among children with autism as they evolve into adulthood.
"While we have seen strides made in the number of programs that are available for youngsters with autism, it is worrisome to see that there are very limited programs out there that offer continued support to help children with their development beyond their public school education, leaving many to face a life without prospects for meaningful involvement with their community," explains The Mosaic Foundation Founder and President Laurie Murdock, who has two children with autism. "The Performing Artists for Autism Education Inaugural Concert is designed to promote awareness of this need and to help invest in the future for today's children with autism so they can become active participants in our society and have a chance at employment, social and recreational opportunities."
Proceeds raised from the concert will benefit The Genesis School (Eden II Programs), The Mosaic School for Autism, and Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (the Martin C. Barell School), three organizations that are currently hard at work attempting to improve outcomes for children with autism as they move them from adolescence into adulthood. People can show their support for this mission via general attendance and/or sponsorship opportunities. Tickets are priced at $15.00, $30.00 or $40.00, depending on an individual's seating preference.
Individuals, businesses and organizations can also take advantage of a myriad of sponsorship options, which [run] from $30.00 to $2,500.00. The various sponsorship opportunities are as follows:
Individual Sponsor (sponsor individual with autism to attend the concert): $30.00
Music Associate Sponsor (receive advance notice of future Performing Artists for
Autism Education events and pre-sale ticket purchase; includes special thank-you
gift): $50.00
Reception Sponsor (includes two preferred seating tickets to the event, plus
entry to pre-show reception): $250.00
Journal Sponsor (full journal page, and four preferred tickets to the event): $500.00
Landmark Theatre Sponsor (full journal page; includes two preferred tickets to the event and entry to pre-show reception): $1,000.00
Opening Act Sponsor: (full journal page, four preferred tickets to the event and entry to pre-show reception): $1,500.00
Performer Sponsor (back cover or inside front of journal, eight preferred tickets to the event and entry to pre-show reception): $2,500.00
Full page journal advertisements are also available for $100.00 All sponsorships will receive recognition in the journal and through signage at the event.
Both musical artists say they are looking forward to contributing their time and music for this cause.
"I'm very excited to be performing on March 18th at the Landmark on Main Street Jeanne Rimsky Theater to benefit the Mosaic School for Autism," says nationally recognized three-time Grammy-nominated Case. "The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc. is a wonderful organization and it's great to be doing a performance to help this great cause."
Iadanza, who is taking time out from his touring in U.S. and Europe to lend a hand to support the autism community, is all too familiar with the disorder. "My cousin's child was also diagnosed as 'on the spectrum' just a couple of years ago, and suddenly I was seeing children in need everywhere," he explains. "I decided to be part of this event because it helps to provide people with the opportunity to overcome their challenges and live their lives in pursuit and successful fulfillment of their dreams so they can achieve meaningful futures."
To purchase tickets or secure sponsorship, please contact (516) 765-3696, or visit online at www.themosaicschool.org.
The Mosaic School is a private school that serves children with autism ranging from the ages of five through 21. Students at The Mosaic School receive a quality, hands-on education that is tailored to suite their unique behavioral and learning needs, with emphasis on fostering the communication, social and academic skills necessary for living and functioning within the family, school and community environments. Each student's program is developed in close cooperation with the individual's family and school district along with any other professionals working with the family. For more information about The Mosaic School, please call 516-765-3696 or visit www.themosaicschool.org. The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc., which can be reached at the same number and Web site, actively seeks to raise awareness of autism and its challenges, and raises funds to increase opportunities for persons with autism to participate in appropriate educational, social and recreational activities.
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