To The Editor:

Families United in Newtown (FUN), a community recreational program for families in our area with special needs children, sponsored their fourth Annual Benefit Concert, Saturday, May 14, in the New-town Congregational Church Great Room (thank you, Steve Bennett and Vicki Truitt). Over 300 people rocked during the musical event following a sit-down '50s and '60s-style meal: Butcher's Best burgers, fries, coleslaw, Coke, and Ferris Farm ice cream.

Thanks to the amazing National Honors Society students that served our guests in style: head waiter Dylan Lew and Cassidy Keller, Liz Chamiec-Case, Emily Bell, Emily Neave, Erin Tressler, Jess Maturo, Jillian Gibney, Julie Faxon, Laura Hornby, Lauren King, Sarah Mawdsley, Sophie Kennen, Megan Nahmias, Kelsey Miller, Sara Ann, Rachel Crosby, Anika Dholakra, Ali Manfreadi, Jess Delp, Simran Chand, Ryan Higgins, Sean Runkle, Madison Ventresca, and Kira Flynn - great job! Thank you Olivia Hamulka, Lauren Granville, and Nathan Williams for watching the younger children during the event.

Many thanks are extended to this year's outstanding performers: Hafez Taghavi, musical director; John Voket, technical director; Bill Van Gieson, Master of Ceremonies; Sean Runkle, stage manager; star pianist and vocalist Jodi DiPiazza; jazz trio, Greg Lapin, Ben Carr, and Zane West; brass band, Aimee Alexander, Jordan Kelin, Thomas Stanczyk, Richie Sadlon, Bryce Doherty, and Matt Lundquist; string quartet, Hafez Taghavi, Lindsey Jones, Laura Flachbart, and Anthony Granata; vocalists, Amanda Goodman, Rob Sibley, Brendan Fox, John Voket, Megan Bernardi, Kyle Mangold, Ryan and Brenna Calderara, and Christopher Simon; violinists, Hafez Taghavi, Lindsey Jones, Isaac Orhing, and Sophia Spraggs; guitarist, Jerome Goosman; Newtown High School Chamber Choir with Jane Matson, director; and Riverdance stars Craig and Christine Ashurst. Thank you, Newtown Public Schools (Dr Joseph Erardi) and the technology team. You all ROCK!

Special thanks to Comfort Dogs; The Nuelle Family; Laura Rothenhausen; Lesley Troy; Jessica Lyons; Erica Shaker; Giant Steps; Dr Robert McWilliams; David Merrill; Augustine Counseling; Artemis Landscape Architects; Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance; Butcher's Best; Ferris Farm Creamery; New-town Center Pediatrics; David Nowacki, DMD; Inspired Soul, JoJo Keane; Blue Sky Farm Productions, Phil Keane; Dance Etc; Blue Nail & Spa; Baked Goods by Christine; Connecticut Music Therapy; Mark Swigart; Suzuki School; Dylan's Wings of Change; Dr Bryson Filbert, Jr; Kim Staffieri, DoTerra; Northeast Natural Medicine, Dr Shawn Carney and massage therapist, Stacey Carney; Suzanne Bachner; Wesley Learning Center; Newtown Lions Club; Newtown Chiropractic Heath Center; Salon Michele; Dana-Holcombe House; Pimberly Designer Consignments; Dere Street; Newtown Car Care Center; Ricci's; Down on Main Street; Newtown Veterinary Center; Crossfit Redzone; Kyle Cullen; Judy Loehr, Derek Calderara, Castle Hill Farm; Adam Calderone; Bagel Delight; Lakeside Watersports; Southbury Printers; The Faxon Law Group; and the Newtown Bee. An extra special thanks to Dr Margaret Bauman, neurologist, who spoke briefly, and last but not least - thanks to the outstanding audience that graciously supported the event with standing ovations!

Thank you to everyone that helped make this a successful and FUN event.

Duane and Linda Jones,

Founders of FUN, in memory of their son, Tyler

16 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook May 20, 2016