Community Corner
Strong Support Gives Momentum to Music Moves Autism
A crowd of family and friends came out to Cannon Coffee on Friday night to show their support for one little boy and one big cause.
Two months of fundraising culminated on Friday when hosted "Music Moves Autism," an acoustic concert to benefit Autism Speaks.
Organized by Mindy and Carrie Robbins-O'Connell and Alicia Romano, the event served as both an unofficial kick off party for Saturday's Walk Now for Autism Speaks and as a celebration for the collective efforts of Team Quinton, the fundraising group headed by the event organizers and named for the pair's three-year-old son, Quinton, who was diagnosed with autism in 2009.
"It was Mindy's idea," said Romano. "She got the raffles together, and I brought in the musicians. All the money we make from the raffles and admission is going toward the walk."
The family lives in Brookline and had the idea to host the event after participating in last year's walk. Mindy and Carrie solicited donations for the raffle from area vendors, including , , , and . Romano, a local musician, recruited fellow musicians Eve Goodman and Tracey Drach to perform. Cannon Coffee offered their space for the event.
"Cannon was so gracious to offer the space," said Carrie Robbins-O'Connell. "They helped promote and advertise the event. It's amazing to see the community support. It really makes you feel good about your community, where you live, and humanity as a whole."
By the night of the concert, Team Quinton had already managed to surpass its fundraising goal of $1,000. "At this point, we're pushing for $2,000," said Mindy Robbins-O'Connell. "If we could make $500 in donation tonight, we'd be really satisfied."
Autism Speaks was founded in 2005 and is committed to spreading awareness of autism spectrum disorders, funding research for the causes, prevention and treatment of autism, and advocating for the rights of individuals with autism. Walk Now for Autism Speaks is held in over 100 areas in nationally and internationally. This year's walks have generated more than $500,000 in donations.
"We love our son just the way he is," Carrie Robbins-O'Connell told the crowd, "but autism awareness is very important. Hopefully this event and the walk tomorrow will encourage people to understand autism and accept autism as a part of someone's life."