Families United in Newtown (FUN) is planning its 2019 Winter Benefit Concert, scheduled this year for Saturday, December 28, at 6:30 pm. The event, which has no admission charge but requests a freewill donation instead, is being hosted by the cosponsoring Newtown United Methodist Church at 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook.

The FUN Winter Concert, featuring a mix of music performed by talented young musicians, is also cosponsored by Newtown Congregational Church, Suzuki Music School, and Connecticut Music Therapy. Proceeds will benefit FUN and Newtown Parent Connection (NPC).

A number of the young adult and collegiate performers are former students of the Suzuki School, which is also located within Sandy Hook.

FUN Founder Linda Jones said the theme of this years concert is “Moving Through Open Doors.”

“We will be celebrating those who are coping with, as well as those lost to, substance abuse,” Ms Jones said. “A brief talk on the theme will be held with Jay Thomas and will celebrate those lost. Candles will be lit to commemorate those lost.”

All attendees will also be invited to a post concert reception, which will include light refreshments.

Additional information is available by contacting Ms Jones at 203-512-6284 or lindajones9763@sbcglobal.net.

Created in memory of the late Tyler Jones, FUN is a community recreational program for families with special needs children, teens, and adults. Donations received from FUN events, including this concert, support autism awareness programs and underwrite costs for providing monthly programs for families in Newtown and neighboring towns.

For more information or to learn more about FUN, to volunteer, or support the cause, visit familiesunitedinnewtown.org, or the Families United in Newtown Facebook page.

The mission of Newtown Parent Connection is to educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance abuse and to embrace families in crisis. NPC works with individuals and families to build resiliency and strengthen the connection among family members.

The agency also works in conjunction with town agencies, schools, religious communities, and police departments to enlighten the community in order to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol among youth.

Visit newtownparentconnection.org or call 203-270-1600 for additional information.