FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – We Rock for Autism has once again teamed up with renowned South Florida tattoo artist, Bobby Badfellow for another Tattoos for Autism event.

The Tattoos for Autism event will take place at Badfellow Tattoo in Fort Lauderdale, FL on April 30st, 2017. Badfellow will be designing some autism awareness tattoos as well as some traditional designs for the public to choose from. There will be set prices and the tattoos will be set in size, allowing Badfellow Tattoo the ability to service as many customers as they can. A portion of all tattoo sales will be donated to We Rock for Autism.

“We are excited to partner with Bobby once again for this event,” said Chris Wilson, President and Founder of We Rock for Autism. “Bobby has a great style and has been so supportive of We Rock for Autism and the autism community for a long time. Now that he has opened his own shop and has filled it with the most amazing artists around, we could not be more honored to be a part of this ongoing relationship.”

“To provide high quality work and unique designs for our clients is always the goal at Badfellow Tattoo,” said Bobby Badfellow, Owner and Artist at Badfellow Tattoo. “But, to be able to do this for a living and give back to the community is something all of the artists here really enjoy.”

Badfellow Tattoo shop is located at 949 NE 62nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334. April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, so be sure to come out and get your next tattoo on April 1st with We Rock for Autism and Badfellow Tattoo.

After the tattoo event an after party will be held at Cheers in Fort Lauderdale (next door to Badfellow Tattoo) and will feature live bands, including Fairly Amazing, Keef Demon and Relapse of Truth. After party will be from 6pm to 10pm and everyone is invited.

About We Rock for Autism

We Rock for Autism, a South Florida based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. is dedicated to improving the communication abilities of children on the autism spectrum by providing music therapy assistance and communication devices. To learn more about We Rock for Autism, please visit www.WeRockforAutism.org or www.facebook.com/WeRockforAutism

About Badfellow Tattoo

Bobby Badfellow has been a staple in the South Florida tattoo industry for many years. Badfellow Tattoo was established to provide Bobby and his team of top notch artists a place to design and tattoo clients in a fun, yet professional and clean environment. Badfellow has won several awards and has been a major part of the South Florida Tattoo Expo each year, helping raise money for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. To learn more about Badfellow Tattoo, please visit www.facebook.com/Badfellowtattoo

###

 We Rock for Autism Teams Up with 80s in the Park to Promote Autism Awareness at the Three Day Rock Festival

Hollywood, FL – We Rock for Autism, a 501(c)(3), nonprofit based in Hollywood, FL teamed up with 80s in the Park for the third year in a row to promote autism awareness and acceptance during the biggest 80s rock festival in Florida. Every year 80s in the Park brings the biggest and best rock bands from the 80s to Melbourne, FL for a weekend of unmatched performances, appearances and events. This was the fourth annual concert and the third year that 80s in the Park chose We Rock for Autism as their benefiting charity.

Each year We Rock for Autism sets up a booth where they pass out We Rock for Autism bracelets and autism awareness items, and this year they even had shirts available at the event. We Rock for Autism also brings a guitar to the event, and the bands that perform sign the guitar so that it may be auctioned off after the event to raise money for the nonprofit. This year the guitar was signed by members of Stryper, Quiet Riot, Great White, Femme Fatale, Tuff, London, Mycah, and Nova Rex. The guitar was also signed this year by model / actress Bobbie Brown (from Warrant’s Cherry Pie video and reality show Ex-Wives of Rock) and Tony Thornock (renowned Gene Simmons impersonator).

“This event gives us more exposure than any other event we attend, “said Chris Wilson, Founder and President, We Rock for Autism. “Kyle and Richard Hendry, the promoters of the event, go above and beyond the call of duty every year ensuring we get the guitar signed and that our mission is well known by the concert goers. The staff and volunteers are always on point and super helpful.”

“It takes a lot of effort to organize an event of this magnitude,” says Kyle Hendry, Owner and CEO, 80s in the Park. “Knowing that the bands and fans not only enjoy the event, but also help us give back through supporting We Rock for Autism is very rewarding.”

Over the last three years, 80s in the Park has helped raise thousands of dollars for We Rock for Autism. Those funds are used to to promote autism awareness and to help We Rock for Autism continue to fulfill their mission of providing music therapy to children on the spectrum.

To bid on the guitar (until Sept. 9th) visit, http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/331956050999

For More Information on We Rock for Autism and the 2016 Autographed Guitar visit:

www.WeRockforAutism.org

For More Information on 80s in the Park and next year’s event visit:

www.80sinthePark.com

###

THIS YEAR THE GUITAR RAISED $500!

CLICK HERE FOR THE UPDATED INFO ON THE GUITAR!!!!!

This brand new Jackson JS10 Dinky was signed by the majority of the headlining bands that performed at the 80’s in the Park concert in Melbourne, FL from August 26th – August 28th, 2016. The guitar was signed to raise money for the 501(c)3 nonprofit, We Rock for Autism. I am the President of We Rock for Autism and 100% of the proceeds from the auction for this guitar will go directly to We Rock for Autism and assist us in providing music therapy for children on the spectrum. This is a one of a kind guitar.

The guitar was singed by:
STRYPER – Micheal Sweet, Robert Sweet and Oz Fox
QUIET RIOT – Frankie Banali, Jizzy Pearl, Chuck Wright and Alex Grossi
LONDON – Nadir D’Priest, Ronee Pena and Alan Krigger
TUFF – Stevie Rachelle and Todd “Chase” Chaisson
BOBBIE BROWN – Model / Actress from WARRANT’S Cherry Pie video and reality TV star from EX-WIVES OF ROCK
FEMME FATALE – Lorraine Lewis and Nikki Stringfield
MYCAH – Devon Mycah, Robbie Reid, Tyler Renga and Esteban Carvajal
GREAT WHITE – Audie Desbrow and Terry Ilous
NOVA REX – Kenny Wilkerson
MYSTERY – Rocky Ravic
THE ART OF GENE (World Renowned Gene Simmons Impersonator) – Tony Thornock

If you have any questions, please let me know. We appreciate your support in helping us raise autism awareness and in providing music therapy to children with autism.

If you would like to just make a donation to We Rock for Autism, please visit our site for more information.

Donations

Boynton Beach, FL – April, 2016 – We Rock for Autism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that assists children on the spectrum receive music therapy, held their first annual Ice Cream for Autism event at The Boardwalk Italian Ice & Creamery in Boynton Beach, FL.

We Rock for Autism handed out various Autism Awareness items and brochures on autism awareness and acceptance, as well as information on the music therapy services they provide. The Boardwalk Italian Ice & Creamery hand crafted and served ice cream, Italian ice, shakes, banana splits, fried Oreos, funnel cake, cotton candy and candy apples (all made on the premises) until well passed normal business hours. Over 200 customers came through the doors, not only enjoying their desserts, but also providing additional donations to We Rock for Autism and showing amazing amounts of support for the event.

“The Boardwalk is family run business, and we really enjoy being a part of the community,” says Joseph Hurtuk III, Owner of The Boardwalk Italian Ice and Creamery. “My family fully supports We Rock for Autism and all families touched by autism, so it was a great partnership and we really enjoyed meeting all of the families that came out to be a part of the event.”

“It was one of the most successful fundraising events we have been a part of,” stated Chris Wilson, Founder and President of We Rock for Autism. “To see how many families came out was amazing, and to be able to indulge in the best ice cream in town we pretty amazing too. The entire staff at The Boardwalk was so supportive and their customers are top notch. We really hope to do this again next year.”

About We Rock for Autism:

We Rock for Autism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in South Florida, founded in March of 2014 with the intentions on raising awareness and encouraging the acceptance of individuals and families that have been affected by autism. Assisting children with autism in receiving music therapy is our primary service, but we also host events, concerts and music related activities.

For More Information on We Rock for Autism, visit: www.WeRockforAutism.org

About The Boardwalk Italian Ice & Creamery:

The Boardwalk Italian Ice & Creamery, a family owned and operated business under the leadership of Joseph M. Hurtuk III, is the newest Homemade Ice Cream and dessert eating adventure in Boynton Beach. The Boardwalk opened its doors in 2015 at a Grand Opening when they and City Officials cut the ribbon to kick off their new and unique establishment.

For More Information on The Boardwalk Italian Ice & Creamery visit: www.TheBoardwalkIce.com

This year the event has landed some premium sponsors that have provided some pretty amazing items to be used in the silent auctions, raffles and as door prizes. Items this year include: Handmade Beatles Purse and 4 Beatles Coasters from Rock Paper Purses
Tattoo Gift Certificate from Cool Cat Tattoo
4 One Way Tickets (can also be used as 2 round trips) from Southwest Airlines
1 – 3 day / 2 night stay at Flamingo Bay Resort in Grand Bahama Island with Round Trip Ferry ride from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island on Baleària Caribbean Ferry Express
4 One Day Park Hopper Tickets from Walt Disney World
One Week Stay at a Time Share in Orlando, FL provided by Preferred Guest Destinations
2 One Day Admission Tickets from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
1 Wine Education Class for 4 (Two Couples) from Total Wine & More
Chocolate Gift Basket from Kilwin’s Coral Springs
Gift Certificate from The Sanctuary Salon and Spa
Gift Certifiate from Boca Tanning Salon
Signed copy of David Estes‘ newest book “Strings”
Gift Certificate from University Center for the Performing Arts
Handcrafted Macaroons fom Miami Is Kind
“Night at the Movies” package (2 Adult Tickets and 2 Small Popcorns) from Paragon Theaters and can be used at Paragon Ridge Theater in Davie. (Every seat is a full recliner)
Gift Certificate to The Dubliner
2 VIP Tickets to 80’s in the Park
Hand crafted, real leather key chains and wallets from Cant Lose Leatherworks
….and MORE!

Performers at the event include:

Wilson & Krider (Paul Wilson, Chris Wilson and Ed Krider)
Johnny Lone Heart
Ragged and Dirty
Ticket 2 Nowhere
Allison Lockhart
Artti Sowerbrower
Kelly Page
and more!!!

Admission to the event is free and all ages are welcome!

GiGi’s Music Cafe

4385 NW 88th Ave

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33351

Show starts at 8PM!

My name is Jenifer Band, co-founder of Autism Awareness Shop, Inc., Vice President of We Rock for Autism and the proud mom to a wonderful teenage son with autism. Cody, my inspiration for this business, was diagnosed with autism in 1999, at age 2. As every family with a child with autism understands, milestones and transitions can be overwhelming and challenging, but this transition into adulthood may be the most daunting of all. It has been referred to as “falling off the cliff”, when our kids age out of the school system at 22 years old. At that age, all young adults with autism are essentially left without support. There is little to no training available to them & job prospects are dismal. It’s a scary situation for kids and their parents. That’s why we are so passionate about our “Autism Awareness Shop.” It is our goal to provide jobs and job training for young adults with autism in a new brick and mortar store and training center.

PLEASE VISIT OUR “GO FUND ME” PAGE

My husband, Scott, and I started an online business, Autism Awareness Shop, several years ago with the intention to create a job for Cody when he completed school at age 22. Our now successful online business, selling autism awareness merchandise, has essentially allowed us to see huge potential and lead us to a greater dual objective: To open an adult vocational training facility for individuals with autism that is physically attached to a brick and mortar thrift store which will provide onsite on-the-job training opportunities. The store will also provide gainful employment for those with autism.

This venture will be completely non-profit and all profits from the thrift store will be used for the training facility and to open additional facilities in the future. We are currently completing the process of establishing our 501(c)3 status and all donations will be tax deductible.

We have everything in place to succeed with this critically needed venture and the experience to do it. I have been providing occupational therapy services in both public schools and private clinical settings for the last 10 years and was an instructor of occupational therapy prior to that. My husband and I both have extensive business experience running the Autism Awareness website and a separate business run by my husband. Additionally, we have formed a fantastic well-educated, well-trained and dedicated board of directors with a combined 75 years experience in special education, management, sales, marketing, and finance skills. All are dedicated professionals willing to put in whatever is necessary to help us become success that we know we can be.

PLEASE VISIT OUR “GO FUND ME” PAGE

We want to turn the future for these kids into something that can be anticipated with excitement and promise! To give them security and the life they deserve. YOU can help us do just that. Won’t you join us on our journey? No donation is too small and we guarantee whatever you contribute is not only greatly appreciated, but will help build a future for wonderful young people with autism. You can help change lives.

We are trying to get the word out about the Autism Awareness project to as many people as possible. Please help us and tell everyone you know about us…Please share, share and share again.

With gratitude to all.

If you would prefer purchasing autism awareness merchandise to show your support, please visit our website
www.AutismAwarenessShop.com

The Holiday Donations Program encourages people to donate, as little as $1, to help We Rock for Autism help more children experience the joy and benefits of music therapy. Currently, We Rock for Autism sponsors four South Florida families and hopes to add at least two more by the end of the year. The goal for this drive has been set at $1,000 with the hopes to exceed that goal.

“We have been fortunate enough to have some great supporters over the last year and a half, ” said Chris Wilson, President, We Rock for Autism. “We know that the holidays can be a financial strain on most families, especially those that are raising a child on the spectrum. If each person that reads this, simply donates $1, we could reach our goal in no time. Every donation amount is greatly appreciated and we look forward to providing some holiday cheer this season.”

Donations are accepted in any amount and supporters can even choose to make reoccurring monthly donations.  Each donor, unless they choose to remain anonymous, will be thanked on the We Rock for Autism website, as well as their social media pages. Corporate donations can opt to have their business page linked to the website and pages as well.

Donations can be made by visiting: www.WeRockforAutism.org/holiday-donations

For more information on or to connect with We Rock for Autism:

www.WeRockforAutism.org

www.Facebook.com/WeRockforAutism

www.Twitter.com/WeRockforAutism

www.Instagram.com/WeRockforAutism

Legendary tattoo artist, Bobby Badfellow, spearheaded the event and designed some Autism Inspired, Halloween Themed tattoos for the event. Fellow Cool Cat artists, Meghan and Todd were on hand to ink some folks as well. Meghan also designed some of her own Halloween and Autism themed pieces for the event.

Several South Florida tattoo lovers showed up to show their support and get some ink. There was a steady stream of ink lovers and even a few there getting their very first tattoo.

Tattoos ranged from pre-designed autism awareness tats, Halloween tats and some that combined both themes. There were also some custom designs that were drawn up on the spot, based on some customer ideas.

Many of the tattoos were done in honor of family members or friends. Pat Wilson got her very first tattoo in honor of her grandson Tyler. She was a little nervous, but she handled it like a champ. Some of the tattoos incorporated both autism awareness and music, which fit right in with We Rock for Autism.

All in all the event was a success.

“It’s about spreading awareness and celebrating our loved ones”, said Chris Wilson, President of We Rock for Autism. “The funds raised will help us support local kids with music therapy, but the primary focus of this event was giving people the chance to permanently show their support and provide great conversation pieces that will focus on autism awareness.”

Based on the turnout, Bobby hinted to the fact that this type of thing might happen more often. Cool Cat Tattoo has become a great supporter of causes and it seems as if We Rock for Autism and Cool Cat Tattoo have formed a viable partnership that will last for years to come.

As of now, it looks like the two will be shooting for another Tattoos for Autism Awareness day sometime in April of 2016. “Seeing as how April is Autism Awareness Month, it sure seems to be the perfect time,” says Bobby Badfellow, Cool Cat Tattoo Artist. “We will design some traditional autism awareness style tattoos and help some more supporters get some cool ink.”

For more information on Cool Cat Tattoo, visit: http://coolcattattoo.co

I think the single hardest thing we’ve ever had to do or endure for our child was to put him on a Gluten-Free and Casein-Free diet… and maintain it.

Every parent of a child with Autism has heard about the Gluten Free / Casein Free (GF/CF) Diet, and some of the more daring (or desperate) have even tried it. But the real test of a person’s manhood is adhering to the damn thing!

Seriously, what kid wants to eat a different cake than all his buddies at a birthday party? (Yet at his own birthday party?!) What kid is going to turn down a gorgeous gloppy mound of chocolate ice cream with heaps of whipped cream and ‘Nilla Wafers on top? And c’mon, every kid in the world knows that Pizza is the greatest food ever invented!

Would you bring a kid to Disneyland, then tell her she can’t go on any of the rides? “Okay sweety… there’s going to be lots of rides here today… I know you’ll feel tempted to ride like everyone else and their friggin’ mothers, but remember you freak out when you go on the rides, so we’ve brought you a bunch of boring ‘ole crossword puzzles and math books to enjoy so you can feel like you are participating in the fun and you’ll fit right in….. NOT!!!

Eating is simply one of the great pleasures that brings us quality of life, which is why it is so hard to implement and maintain this crazy diet. We must constantly resist temptation, like an addict, because “unhealthy” foods are all around us.

We’ve been conditioned to eat certain foods and in a certain way, so a complete change of palate and mindset must be attained in order to make different choices for our bodies. We must reprogram ourselves to eat for our bodies, not for our desires. Like I said, we may be talking about addiction here.

When the decision was made to put Drayke on the diet, we realized he’d have better success with (and acceptance of) his new way of eating if the whole family did it together. Well,two of the troops around here were not having it, so I chose to partner with him and we did it together, just he and I. It was our bond! Our vendetta against mainstream society, the dairy industry and GMO’s!

Lemme tell you, anyone who doubts that this diet makes a difference has never tried it. On purely a physical level, I noticed immediately I was effortlessly shedding excess pounds and my spare tire was deflated almost entirely, much to my delight. I thinned out quickly and my energy levels went through the roof, to the point of a pleasantly mild mania! I was definitely my healthiest in a long time, and never once did I feel like I was starving myself.

I am not entirely sure it made any drastic impact in Drayke’s behavior or mental function. I would notice some subtle things like he would get a little “dopey” or slow when he had dairy. His bowel movements were farther apart when he’d deviate from the gluten-free aspects, which may have caused some restless behavior or irritability. We do get some predictably non-compliant behavior when he is backed-up. Our thoughts have been trained to go straight to, “What did he eat yesterday?”and “When was the last time he pooped?”

We certainly did and still do our best to adhere to the rigors of the diet, but we make exceptions in those cases like birthday parties, or Thanksgiving holidays, etc. and give him enzymes when he strays from the stringent menu. We’ve made it standard practice to administer the antidote with the poison, so to speak, in those cases.

Some of our spectrum kids have texture sensitivities which I imagine must make much of the dry crumbly gluten free breads and snacks dreadful to eat. I still haven’t found a Dairy Free cheese that is convincing. Goat’s milk cheese and coconut milk ice cream are god’s gift to god! And gratefully there is Trader Joes, which offers many affordable Gluten Free and Dairy Free items that are way too costly at that “Whole-paycheck” Foods store.

As a touring musician, I’ve had to travel while on the GF/CF diet, sometimes for weeks on end. That is always a real nightmare because once you leave the big cities, people’s awareness of any kind of special diet is nil.To make matters worse, I am vegetarian with a shellfish allergy and GMO corn sensitivity. Eating meals with the crew and the bands always leaves me feeling alienated or like a helpless, misunderstood prima-donna because I cannot eat what everyone else eats. It sucks big time for this fully grown man, so just imagine how a growing tween feels in those crucial, socially important situations when meals are shared with team mates, class mates, play mates… awwwk-warrrd!

I dunno…

Some days you just gotta pick your battles.

I suppose sometimes it’s okay to just let them eat cake.

JOE NORMAL
Recording Artist, Songwriter, Author, Educator
(and, oh yeah… Autism Parent.)
Site: www.JoeNormalUSA.com
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/JoeNormalUSA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoeNormalUSA