Ipads For Autism Concert and Family Fun Day Planned At Wild Bill's

According to the Center for Disease Control, autism affects an average of one in every 110 children born in the U.S. today. This is a 600 percent increase in the rate over the past 20 years and why autism is regarded as the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world.

With more and more families affected by autism, a new foundation is in the process of forming in Gwinnett County. All in For Autism (AFA), currently in the process of going through the necessary start-up paperwork, is kicking off the new organization with a Family Day and Live Music Concert at in Duluth Sunday. This inaugural event is to raise funds for a specific purpose.

“The charity is currently trying to raise $12,000 for 12 iPads, said Michelle Couch of Blitz Communications, one of the main presenting sponsors of the event. “Long-term goals for the organization include continuous fundraising projects for children with autism, creating awareness about the specific needs of children with autism and educating the public on what they can do to help.”

Couch said the first shipment of iPads would be earmarked for one of the classes at a Barrow County school. She said several businesses and musicians have stepped up to help AFA in its early efforts to raise these funds.

“AFA will transform Wild Bill's parking lot into a playland for kids of all ages, while Wild Bill's does what it does best inside by hosting a musician's showcase,” Couch said,

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday with kids 12 and under admitted for free. Admission for teens and adults is $5 per person. Couch said artists already signed on to perform include Jared Breshers, Jessica Cayne, Catherine Kimbro, RowdyB, Castrophe, Young America and FledNorth.

“It should be a genre-filled day of great variety,” Couch said. “Eight or more local acts will be performing for the charity event and have been pre-selling show tickets to raise funds for the charity.  The artists will be competing against each other for a chance to open for a national act, so the game is on for AFA.”

While all this is going on inside, the kids festival will take place outdoors in the main parking lot of Wild Bill's. 

“It will include moonwalks, pony rides, face painting, kids games, lots of raffles and prizes as well as a misting tent for a hot summer day,” Couch said. “Favorite festival foods such as pizza, pop corn, Italian ice and cotton candy will be available for purchase also.”

Presenting sponsors of the event include Wild Bill's, Zaxby's, SBI Signs, Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, Gwinnett Citizen, WIMO AM 1300, WebKat Design, and Blitz Communications/Marketing. As with all new organizations or events, Couch said there can never be enough sponsors or volunteers. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact her at info@myimpactmedia.com or by phone at 678-429-6197.