It all started in a school cafeteria. Derek Friess, Rock for Autism event coordinator (and Pike-Delta-York School’s Technology Coordinator), was working as a high school band teacher at the time. Friess says the benefit for the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio was an idea that came from his students.
“We wanted to do an event in the spring to raise money for a charity. So, I went to the kids to see what ideas they had,” Friess said. “At the time we had a student with autism. The kids wanted a way to help with his life, and his family’s life. The Autism Society seemed to be exactly what they were looking for, a way to help local people, not only those with autism, but also their families. It has been well received ever since.”
Support for a resource
For Friess, the cause is also personal. He has both a nephew and a cousin with an autism spectrum diagnosis.
The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio has served as an important resource for Freiss and other families trying to educate themselves and learning how to support those diagnosed with autism.
This year, the event is even bigger, graduating from its past school destination and into the recently opened downtown location of Martini & Nuzzi’s. Local musician Calen Savidge played a huge part in helping to organize the event, getting the bands together and arranging the venue. Friess is grateful for Savidge’s help, hoping this year’s event will gain a larger citywide crowd, garnering added support and awareness for the cause.
The event will be headlined by Match City (with Calen Savidge, Matt Beier, and Joe Woods), and will also include The Fling (featuring Claire Cooper, voted Toledo’s best singer in our Best of Toledo issue), Nick Neenan, Last Born Sons and Breaking Ground. There will also be premium dinners and drinks available for purchase, including a craft beer special.
All of the profits from the event benefit the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, to help provide support, education, advocacy and services to those affected by autism in 12 northwest Ohio counties.
“I am inspired by my cousin, in particular. I keep thinking, what can I do to help? This is how I can make a difference,” Friess stated.
You can make a difference, too. Check out Rock for Autism for great music, food, and fun, all for a good cause.
5pm-1am Saturday, May 9th. $15 donation at the door. All proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio. Martini and Nuzzi’s in Downtown Toledo, 329 N. Huron St. RockForAutismToledo.org.
