Proceeds from pig roast fundraiser will go to Barnish family
By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
The sixth annual “A Pig Roast for Alex” charity barbecue and poker run is coming up Sunday, May 18, as a fundraising event run by the Manville-Hillsborough Elks.
This year, proceeds will benefit Kyle Barnish, a 10-year-old Manville resident. According to his mom, Patty, Kyle was diagnosed at the age of 3 ½ with autism (PDD-NOS), verbal apraxia, dysgraphia, duplication in his 15Q11 gene in the short arm and epilepsy.
”After years of therapies he is thriving and progressing,” she said. “Over the years Kyle has participated in various sports through the Manville Recreation Department under the guidance of Mr. Rich Armstrong. “Two years ago the family registered Kyle to participate in Special Olympics and “it has opened up an entire new world for him.”
Kyle has attended sports clinics in soccer, football, golf and is on the Montgomery Special Olympics swim team. Kyle also plays basketball in both Montgomery and Hillsborough Special Olympics and is participating in track and field.
Kyle attends Montgomery Academy in Basking Ridge.
”Kyle has faced and overcome many challenges in his life, but the recent loss of his father is probably going to be the most challenging,” said Ms. Barnish.
Walt Barnish was a member of the Manville-Hillsborough Elks and Ms. Barnish said that she was told this year’s benefit would be in honor of Kyle as a celebration of his life.
”I am overwhelmed and can’t believe that they are going to do this for us,” said Ms. Barnish.
”They are and will continue to be a shining light for Kyle and me and will help us to get through our loss,” said Ms. Barnish. “We have been very blessed with many people, including the Manville-Hillsborough Elks family, who have come into our lives and have helped and will continue to help us through our autism journey. ‘Never say never’ is our motto! The sky’s the limit for Kyle. Kyle Barnish for president,” said Ms. Barnish.
She said there is not a lot of support or programs in New Jersey for adults with autism.
”I plan on sending Kyle to college even if it means I have to go with him,” she said. “This (benefit) will help pay the tuition for us. I would like to thank the Elks for all the support they have given Kyle and me. They will always be a part of our lives and hearts.”
The proceeds will be put into Kyle’s special needs trust to help with therapies when he’s older.
This event was started five years ago to help a boy named Alex overcome vast medical bills and help his family recover from his long hospital stay. The Elks were able to help a young woman named Bridget achieve her dream of horseback riding at the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riders Association. It helped Eric and his family achieve his goal of being able to communicate on his own once graduating from Hillsborough High School, and got youngster James get his vehicle lift last year.
The fundraiser will be from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine, at the Manville-Hillsborough Elks Lodge at 1500 Brooks Blvd. There will be a bouncy castle, spin art, cotton candy, snow cones, face painting and door prizes. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $10 for children 10 and older. Admission includes all-you-can-eat pork, chicken, burgers, hot dogs and fixings.
The Elks lodge’s purpose is to help the communities of Manville and Hillsborough by the combined actions of neighbors, friends, co-workers and family members. ’
For information or tickets, call the Elks at 908-725-1717.