Families United in Newtown (FUN) will host its fourth annual Autism Awareness Benefit Concert and Dinner in The Great Room at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, on Saturday, May 14, at 6 pm.Katy Perry invited Jodi to perform a duet during Comedy Central's The Night of Too Many Stars at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.the May 2015 FUN event, "Celebrating Movie Music."Riverdance and Lord of the Dance stars Craig and Christine Ashurst and students from Dance Etc will be performing as well.FUN on Facebook or online at familiesunitednewtown.org, or call 203-512-6284.

A "car hop"-style dinner will be served by Newtown High School National Honors Society students and other volunteers, featuring burgers (beef, turkey, or veggie) and fries from Butcher's Best, beverages from Coca-Cola, and Ferris Acres Creamery ice cream.

This year's concert theme is a Rock and Roll music celebration featuring music from the 1950s and 60s. The event will feature the return of New Jersey's teenage YouTube sensation Jodi DiPiazza.

Jodi began improvising piano at age 3 and started taking lessons at age 7 despite her struggle with autism spectrum disorder. In October 2012, pop star

To date that YouTube duet has more than nine million views. In 2013, Jodi returned to The Night of Too Many Stars to accompany "Weird Al" Yankovic on his Star Wars parody tune "Yoda."

Jodi was a featured performer during

This year's event will also feature the Newtown High School Chamber Choir, several community performers, and other special guests including gifted performers who are also on the autism spectrum. These accomplished musicians are students of Newtown High School, Sandy Hook's Suzuki Talent Education School, Western Connecticut State University, the University of South Florida, and Vanderbilt University.

Next month's event will mark the first time a keynote speaker is featured along with the musical program. Dr Margaret Bauman, neurologist and pioneer in the study and treatment of autism, will give a short presentation during dinner.

Families United in Newtown was established by local resident Linda Jones, who started fundraising in 2008 with a dream of providing recreational programs and respite for families with special needs children. One year later, following the tragic death of her son and Newtown High School student, Tyler, the program blossomed with the support of local National Honors Society students.

In October 2010 the group held its first monthly meeting in memory of Tyler, and has hosted regular meetings ever since. The ultimate goal of FUN is to provide a recreational outlet for families with special needs children as well as promoting autism awareness.

The May FUN meeting will be held during the concert on that Saturday evening with this year's group of National Honors Society students providing onsite care for attending special needs kids as well as other children during the show.

According to autismspeaks.org, it is estimated that one in 68 children will be diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism and ASD are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.

These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Many persons with ASD excel in pursuits involving their visual skills, music, math and artistic talents.

The dinner and entertainment tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students if purchased by May 7 online or by mail. To get online tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/autism-benefit-concert-tickets-24211402958

Send checks and ticket orders to FUN, 16 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook CT 06482.

Tickets purchased after May 7 are $25. For anyone wishing to support the cause who cannot attend the event, donations are also graciously accepted online or by mail.

For more information, find

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