PORT WASHINGTON, NY; APRIL 7, 2011 - Leading folk-rock singers and songwriters Peter Case and Joe Iadanza recently struck a chord for autism awareness during The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc.'s Performing Artists for Autism Education Inaugural Concert. Featuring an evening of live entertainment, the concert benefited
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 from adolescence into adulthood.
"I am incredibly touched by Peter's and Joe's huge hearts and great generosity," says The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc. Founder and President Laurie Murdock, who has two children with autism. "It is so refreshing to see these great, talented musicians taking time out to support our cause and it is equally uplifting to see so many people come out and participate. Their unity embodies the 'take a village' approach that is so needed within today's autism community. Their support has not only allowed us to promote autism awareness but has essentially invested in the hopeful and meaningful futures of today's children with autism."
In addition to Case's and Iadanza's participation and people's attendance, various organizations rose to the occasion to show their support through sponsorship. Among the concert sponsors were Autism Speaks, Different Roads to Learning, and Nassau Suffolk Chapter of the Autism Society of America.
Throughout the evening, Case rocked the house with his own blues-inspired brand of folk-rock music while Iadanza warmed the crowd with his uplifting folk ballads. Reminding everyone of the hopeful futures they are supporting for children with autism, Case and Iadanza culminated the show with a special finale that featured a collaborative performance with 16-year-old Rachel Paine, a student with autism from The Mosaic School for Autism. The three of them proudly performed Case's inspirational tune, "Two Angels," from his album, The Man With the Blue Post Modern Fragmented
Neo-Traditionalist Guitar.
Paine was very excited to be a part of the concert and its mission. "I love music," explains Paine. "I want to be able to use my music to help other children with autism."
Three-time Grammy-nominated Case and Iadanza, who took time out from his touring in U.S. and Europe to lend a hand to support the autism community, both felt that Paine's performance was an inspiration and proof positive of the amazing abilities that children with autism can possess.
"Rachel's performance was truly the hit of the night," says Case.
"Because of the amazing community surrounding Rachel, she has a real chance to grow and thrive," explains Iadanza. "The hope and joy that filled the room after Rachel's performance is proof-positive that everyone matters and has something important to give back to the world. It was an honor to be part of this event and this special performance."
About The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc.
The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc., which is affiliated with The Mosaic School for Autism, actively seeks to generate awareness of autism and its challenges as it also raises funds to increase opportunities for people with autism so they can participate in appropriate educational, social and recreational activities. For more information about The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc., please call 516-765-3696 or visit www.themosaicschool.org.
About The Mosaic School for Autism
Founded by Laurie Murdock, an autism educator and advocate who has two children with autism, The Mosaic School for Autism 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.
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