Autism Social Group Bringing YouTube Sensation Back For An Encore
Families United in Newtown (FUN) will host its final meeting of the school year on Sunday, June 14, from 3 to 6 pm, at Dickinson Park, 50 Elm Drive. The meeting and social activities, themed “Dancing in the Park,” are being held by the basketball courts and new FunSpace in the back of the park.
Newcomers are welcome to join both regular and occasional participants of past events. Since October 2010, FUN has hosted monthly meetings throughout each school year with a goal of providing an outlet for families with special needs children, as well as promote Autism Awareness within our community.
Jodi DiPiazza will be performing at the June meeting, along with a DJ entertaining before and after her set. Jodi, who lives in New Jersey, began improvising piano at age 3 and started taking lessons at age 7 despite her struggle with autism spectrum disorder.
In October 2012, Jodi performed a duet with Katy Perry for the autism benefit “The Night of Too Many Stars” at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Her performance was televised on Comedy Central and to date has more than million views on YouTube.
This year, Jodi performed at “The Night of Too Many Stars” with “Weird Al” Yankovic on his parody song “Yoda.” She also performed several selections at FUN’s third Annual Autism Awareness Benefit Concert in May.
“Dancing in the Park” will offer an opportunity for children to exercise and have some fun while the Newtown High School National Honor’s Society junior and senior students provide childcare and mentoring for attendees. It also provides parents and caregivers some respite time to socialize among themselves.
The organization will be honoring outgoing senior NHS students at 4:30 pm, and sharing a potluck meal around 5 pm. Each family attending is encouraged to bring a dish to share and a cooler filled with water balloons.
There will also be a bounce house for the kids to enjoy.
For more information, visit the organization’s Facebook page. Newcomers are asked to call 203-512-6284 so there are enough refreshments for all.