Families United in Newtown (FUN), a grassroots support and recreational program for families with children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs is heading to the farm — Castle Hill Farm — for its May gathering.

The local agricultural operation regionally famous for its autumn corn mazes and farm products is welcoming the group once again for its next meeting, Saturday, May 15, from 1 to 3 pm according to founder Linda Jones.

The organization also just announced its Annual Benefit Concert is set for Sunday, June 6 at 4 pm at the Dickinson Park band shell. The event will include live musical entertainment, one or more food trucks, dessert and coffee, DJ music, and dancing on the concert field.

Online ticket sales are being organized now, and tickets will be available at the event. More details to come.

Jones said this year’s group of FUN participants and the organization’s Newtown High School National Honors Society volunteers are coming off a virtually sold out fundraiser event at Edmond Town Hall that featured a screening of Disney’s live action version of The Lion King. Jones said all tickets were sold, and in excess of $1,500 was raised for autism research being conducted by Dr Margaret Bauman.

Jones said 100% of proceeds from pop-up tables at local merchants set up during April — Autism Awareness Month — and the movie screening are going to Bauman, a distinguished pediatric neurologist and research investigator who has been a pioneer in the study and treatment of autism for more than 25 years, according to her bio.

One of the world’s foremost physicians in this field, she is highly respected for the outstanding clinical care she provides, as well as for her research and teachings in the domain of developmental disorders. Bauman’s dedicated career is best exemplified in her establishment and development of The Autism Research Foundation (TARF), The Autism Research Consortium (TARC), the Lurie Center for Autism, and the Autism Treatment Network (ATN).

She is also a founding director of the Lurie Center, formally called LADDERS (Learning and Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Rehabilitation Services). A donation check presentation is planned for a future FUN event.

Founded by Jones and her husband, Duane, FUN offers supervised social and recreational activities for young people with developmental disabilities as well as those on the autism spectrum, while helping to raise awareness about autism and funds to support autism research. The Joneses — parents to Lindsey, Austin, and Tyler — turned the tragedy of Tyler’s untimely passing in 2009 into a positive living memorial for their son to help bring special needs families together in a safe and welcoming place.

At each FUN meeting, families are paired with an NHS National Honor Society student who spends time with the kids, giving the parents a much-needed break. Any and all are welcome at FUN meetings. The organization is also grateful for tax-deductible donations to help underwrite the expense of activities, which are all offered free to participants.

To volunteer or donate, or for more information, visit the FUN website or the Families United in Newtown Facebook page.

Those attending the Castle Hill Farm meeting can look forward to honoring their moms post Mother’s Day by making cards, and sampling Ferris Acres Creamery ice cream and cookies while attendees enjoy DJ music and dancing.

To make a reservation, call 203-512-6284 or e-mail Jones at lindajones9763@sbcglobal.net. Attendance at the FUN Castle Hill Farm event is free.