Autism Family Services of New Jersey (AFSNJ) will be hosting its sixth annual Beach Bash Sept. 12 in Belmar.
The Beach Bash is the premiere beach event on the Jersey Shore for the autism community. Over 5,000 individuals attended last year’s event, and the 2010 Beach Bash is on track to be the largest to date.
This event is free to the public and will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 7th Avenue.
Beach Bash highlights include musical entertainment, beach activities, arts and crafts, as well as free product samplings.
A surf camp will take place during the Beach Bash, providing an opportunity for 190 children with autism to surf alongside professional surfers from the organization Surfer’s Healing.
Free lunch will be provided by the Belmar First Aid Squad, who will also be on hand volunteering their time and manpower. In addition, lifeguards will be donating their time to watch the open swim area.
New Jersey radio station (107.1 and 99.7) The Breeze will provide musical entertainment as well as free giveaways. Families may visit an exhibition tent with vendors offering many autism related resources.
Due to the increasing size of this event each year, it is important that all individuals register in advance to benefit the safety of those attending.
Individuals may register for the Beach Bash by visiting www.autismfamilyservices. org or by calling Autism Family Services of New Jersey at 1-877-AFS-4477.
Additionally, on the evening of Sept. 10, the fifth annual Seaside Soiree fundraiser will take place oceanside at the Ocean Place Spa and Resort in Long Branch.
The evening features a beachside clambake, silent auction and musical entertainment by the famed Reggae band,
The Verdict. Funds from the event assist AFSNJ’s effort to provide the Beach Bash free of cost to families.
Tickets are $150 and interested parties may call Samantha Griffiths at 1-877-237- 4477 for more information.
For more information about Autism Family Services of New Jersey, call 877- AFS-4477.