Mikey Rosen The sun shone brightly upon those who attended Greater Media Newspapers’ “Soundstage” fundraising event on May 7, enhancing the spirits of those who enjoyed the food and entertainment provided in the tropical surroundings of Bar Anticipation, Lake Como.
Close to $3,400 was raised and will be presented to two organizations that enhance the lives of those affected by autism. A formal presentation of the funds is slated to take place in the near future at Howell Ice World, who partnered with Greater Media in the fundraising effort. The proceeds from “Soundstage” will be shared by Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) and Our Special Place in Matawan.
The event was Greater Media’s second charity concert event and was organized this year as part of Greater Media’s Greater Good campaign, which has already seen employees of Greater Media’s newspaper division personally help a food pantry, an animal shelter and the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in the past few months.
The New Royalty POAC (www.POAC.net) strives to help individuals with autism achieve their highest potential in their homes, schools and communities via increased public awareness and training for individuals and their families as well as for schools, bus drivers and local police departments.
In addition to autism training and education, POAC offers family recreational activities including surfing, horseback riding, movies, indoor gym days, bowling and pizza parties, and a huge annual carnival and family picnic for all. POAC does not charge a penny for any of these services, and it receives no government funding.
Our Special Place, now in its fourth year at 62 Broad St. in Matawan, is a therapeutic learning center where children with special needs can interact in small, structured groups for one hour each week and take part in programs that provide an array of tools to help them succeed in life. More information is available by calling 732-765-8500.
Casey Rochelle While children played in the sand near a waterfall and were entertained with many activities, adults watched from the comfort of couches in outdoor tents as well as several outdoor and indoor bar areas while the sounds of the musicians who volunteered their talents for the fundraiser played throughout Bar A and on closed-circuit television for those outside.
WRAT radio’s DJ Gotts helped announce the bands and motivate the crowd.
The family-friendly event featured an eclectic mix of entertainers who offered some- thing for everyone to enjoy. Yellow #5, a classic rock/pop/party band, kicked off the event, followed by the hard rock/metal sounds of the 12- and 13- year-old members of Epidemic Empire. Almost There took the stage with their original rock tunes, followed by Lunch Hour Six Pack performing classic rock and alternative covers. Us Against You was up next with its original high-energy pop punk and punk rock tunes, followed by the indie pop sounds of The New Royalty. Next, Alicia Madison and Dan Weltman performed an acoustic set of popular songs, followed by the original rock tunes of Hollywood Help. Vocalist Casey Rochelle joined Hollywood Help to perform a powerful version of Thriving Ivory’s “Angels on the Moon.” Alicia Madison returned to the stage to cap off the event’s entertainment with her new dance hit “Superstar,” just released on iTunes.
Alicia Madison and Dan Weltman Ben Cannizzaro, publisher of Greater Media Newspapers, attended the event and said, “We are most appreciative to the many people who attended, the performers who entertained us, and the sponsors who supported this event to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. I also want to thank all those who put in considerable time and effort to ensure the success of this event.”
Thosewho attended the event left not only with the good feeling that helping those in need brings, they also left with gifts from Howell Ice World, Carvel Ice Cream, Monmouth Park and Subway. The first 250 Soundstage ticket purchasers also received free entrance to a Lakewood BlueClaws baseball game.