To the Editor:

It takes a village to coordinate an Autism Awareness Benefit Concert to support Families United in Newtown (FUN). This year’s event, on December 30 at Newtown Congregational Church, was a huge success thanks to the love, kindness and generosity of every person who attended.

Without the generosity of the following local businesses our event would not have been possible: our Corporate Angel Platinum Sponsor, Colonial Subaru, who helped bring Amanda Mammana to Newtown; Gold Sponsors Ingersoll Auto of Danbury and Volvo of Danbury; Silver Sponsors Chintz-N-Prints, New Insights Boutique and Newtown Smile Dentistry; and Bronze Sponsors Arrowhead Guitars, Augustine Counseling, Bagel Delight, BD Provisions, Brewster Physical Therapy, Brittney Roberts State Farm Insurance, Butchers Best, Chiropractic Center of Newtown/Dr Aaron Coopersmith, Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism, James Gulalo Preferred Insurance, Lang’s Auto, Dr Robert McWilliams, The Neurovation Center, The Parent Connection, Pet Town Veterinary, Southbury Printers, and Taghavi Music Studios.

We would also like to thank all of the local restaurants who helped to provide a delicious dinner for our guests! Blue Colony Diner, Bridgewater Chocolates, Elmer’s Diner, Gisela’s Restaurant, John’s Best Restaurant, Market Place Newtown, Nardelli’s Deli, Nick’s catering, New Fairfield Food Center, Nostrano’s Restaurant, Olive Garden, Portofino Restaurant, Project Pizza, Sal e Pepe, Stop and Shop (Newtown Road and Mill Plain Road, Danbury), Texas Roadhouse, Uncle Matt's, The Villa Restaurant.

Thank you to the musicians, volunteers and mentors who helped in the weeks leading up to the event and the day of. Every one of you played a critical role that helped to bring it all together. You enabled us to create a joyful experience for all who attended! Thank you!

Last but surely not least, a big thank you to all who attended and heard our voice! We are ever so grateful for your support!

Linda and Duane Jones

Sandy Hook