WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
On Saturday, April 29th, Autism Rocks and Rolls (ARAR) will hold its annual Gala celebration at Fountain Square Ballroom in downtown Bloomington, Indiana. As part of the proceedings, ARAR is proud to welcome former Finger Eleven drummer Rich Beddoe to speak about his experiences with autism.
“Our nonprofit has grown tremendously in the last year. At this year’s gala, we are taking our mission of acceptance and adding an element of inspiration to it because we have met many amazing people along the way that have encouraged and supported our work. As a mother of someone on the spectrum, I want Sam to be part of a movement of change: a change that moves toward inclusion, kindness, acceptance, education, and inspiration about differently-abled people,” Autism Rocks and Rolls Gina Mitchell commented.
Sam Mitchell is the driving force behind Autism Rocks and Rolls. As a teen, Mitchell developed a podcast to connect people with autism and remove the stigma that is sometimes attached to the clinical diagnosis. What started as a podcast, seventy dollars in a bank account, and a hope to raise awareness has become a full-fledged non-profit that is governed by a seven-member board that works with Sam and Gina Mitchell to put a community element into autism acceptance.
“Autism Rocks and Rolls works tirelessly in southern Indiana and throughout the state to raise awareness, increase communication, and seek out new ways for organizations, families, and individuals to connect with each other to share their experiences about living with autism and the gala is just one manifestation of that. We hope that the gala can be a conduit for developing more support for all people living with and supporting autism. This is also one of the main ways our organization cultivates financial support,” stated ARAR Board President Steven Jascewsky.
As the main fundraiser for Autism Rocks and Rolls, the gala is in its second year. In addition to speaker Rich Beddoe, there will be advocacy groups that work with autism in south central Indiana, a silent auction, and food and drink for all attendees. While a 15 dollar donation is encouraged, everyone will be welcomed and encouraged to support Autism Rocks and Rolls in any way possible.
“The gala will bring together people to celebrate our diversity. Sam and ARAR want to help people understand that there is no normal. We also want to help make people realize that there are resources out there to support all people that live with autism. This support can be connecting a family with an organization or just providing a supportive voice to the daily struggles everyone faces,” mentioned Mitchell.
The public is encouraged to attend ARAR’s second annual Gala celebration on Saturday, April 29th at Fountain Square Ballroom in Bloomington beginning at 3 PM. If you have any questions about the gala, ARAR, or their advocacy and media work, more information is available online at AUTISMROCKSANDROLLS.COM. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Autism Rocks and Rolls Gina Mitchell at 812-699-7811 or via email at [email protected].
