The Fifth annual Autism Fest is coming up on June 25th. It began as a school project by Springstead High School student Danish Hasan for his International Baccalaureate Senior project. The festival has grown considerably. Last year there was over 70 vendors and around 600 attendees. Jason Rhodes, the chairman of The Inspire Foundation 501c3, explained that the foundation partnered with the school in order to help build the festival. This year they are hosting the event.
Rhodes and his wife Cristine began the Inspire Foundation that funds music and art programs for children and young adults with special needs. Jason Rhodes explained, “Cristine and I have a son on the autism spectrum and saw first hand how music and art helped him learn and in every-day life.” He continued, “It was the same for his siblings and we wanted to have a place where all children regardless of their abilities, could experience music and art.” Rhodes says they have helped hundreds of children through their foundation “by bringing music and art to them in their school, church, summer camps, private parties and home education programs.”
As hosts of the event, Rhodes explained that the Inspire Foundation will be donating some of the proceeds to the YMCA for their Camp Coast summer camps which is developed for children on the Autism spectrum. The rest will go toward the Inspire Initiative. The Inspire Initiative will pay for 125 kids that are homeschooled and have special needs to enroll in a music or art class once a week for the entire school year for free.
American Idol’s James Durbin is headlining the entertainment. Tampa Bay’s number 1 alternative rock band, Hope Darling, singer/songwriter Nikki Dermott, and entertainer Mr. Tommy are also performing.
Together, Rhodes anticipates the entertainment to draw a big crowd, likely over 1000. Hope Darling, Nikki Dermott and Mr. Tommy have all worked with the Inspire Foundation in the past and Rhodes is grateful to have them on stage once again. Rhodes explained that Durbin was an idea for next year, but when they heard that his schedule had an opening, they jumped on it.
In addition to entertainment, there will be over 70 vendors, bounce houses, game trucks, food, beverages and much more. “This event is not just for those touched by autism, but for the whole family to come out and enjoy. With vendors coming from as far as Tallahassee and Gainesville, and St Pete and Orlando, there will be something for everybody!” said Rhodes.
Danish Hasan began the event to initiate greater awareness about autism and the services available in the local community to benefit those in need. The Inspire Foundation, created to provide such services has stepped up to continue this event in order to increase autism awareness and fund services for those on the autism spectrum.
If you’d like to become an entertainment sponsor for this event please contact Jason Rhodes at jasonrhodes352@gmail.com or call him at 352-410-3332.
IF YOU GO:
When: June 25th 11AM-3PM
Where: Frank W. Springstead High School
Cost: Free
More info: http://autismfesthernandocounty.eventbrite.com
To find out more about the Inspire Foundation go to: www.theinspirefoundationfl.org
Or call: 352-410-3332