By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
WOODBRIDGE – Doretta Helfgott of Woodbridge asks people in the area to enjoy a night of food and entertainment and to learn more about people with special needs.
On Sunday, April 24 the Woodbridge Children’s Charity Fund will hold a fundraiser event about autism. The event, which will feature food from numerous local restaurants as well as live performances, a raffle and gifts, will be held at the Knights of Columbus at 109 Morrisey Ave. in Avenel.
The price of entry is $30 for advanced ticket purchases and $35 at the door. The price is $15 for children ages 14 and under.
Shawn Bean of Matrix Health and Wellness LLC, which is based in Phoenixville, Pa., will speak about how certain conditions such as autism, depression and anxiety may be naturally remedied through a “bio-individual whole-person approach”.
“As the adage goes, “When you have met one child with autism, you have met one child with autism”, Helfgott said.
“Therefore, special needs children require healthcare that is as uniquely designed as their bodies and brains are wired. A cookie-cutter approach does not resolve complex problems and treating symptoms alone is not enough. Rather, a bio-individual whole-person approach is necessary to reverse the signs and symptoms of autism and its co-morbid conditions.”
Helfgott’s son, David, has autism and has gradually been developing multiple other conditions.
It began as an intolerance to gluten and he developed sensitivity to other foods and eventually he would suffer autoimmune attacks that would manifest as tremors and destructive behavior.
The event will serve food donations that will be provided by Applebee’s, Chevy’s, Subway, Bertucci’s, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, the Olive Garden, Famous Dave’s, Villa Italian Kitchen, Chick-fil-A, Brooklyn Brother’s, La Bouna’s, Burger Express, Roosevelt Deli, Reo Diner, Dominic’s, D’Orsi’s Bakery and Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe.
The fundraiser will have a 50/50 raffle, 90 tricky tray baskets and gift cards.
Performing at the event will be Russell Fischer from Broadway’s Jersey Boys, America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jonathan Arons and Survivor – Koah Rong competitor Michelle Fitzgerald.
For more information, contact Doretta Helfgott at [email protected] or call 732-476-4270. To purchase tickets online visit http://4theloveodavidwoodbridge.eventbrite.com.