Autism Awareness Month Events Set For April Fare Share Restaurant Fundraiser April 9th & Bluegrass Festival And Car Show April 18th By Patte Wood Staff Reporter   Autism is on the rise and has touched many Rockbridge families. Rock Bridge Family Services (RBFS), a local support group, has stepped up to raise awareness and to help families with autistic children in the area. With April as National Autism Awareness Month, RBFS has two fundraisers planned. Thursday, April 9th join in the Fare Share Restaurant Fundraiser. Take someone out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at participating restaurants that have the special Fare Share logo in their window and on their tables. Participating restaurants will share a portion of their proceeds at the end of the day to help RBFS provide resources to the Autistic population in Rockbridge County. Participating restaurants include Applebees, The Red Hen, Salerno's, Dominos, Papa John's, Todd's BBQ, Redwood Family Restaurant. The list of restaurants is growing so be on the lookout for the FARE SHARE logo. On Saturday, April 18, the second annual Bluegrass Festival and Car Show will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Glen Maury Park Pavilion. The Car Show begins at 10:00 a.m. and the Bluegrass music will begin at 2:00 p.m. The event features local Bluegrass Bands including Monrovia, Plank Road Express, Mountain Messengers, Dorsey Hostetter, and others. Last year, the first Bluegrass Festival to benefit Autism was held April 19, 2008 at Glen Maury Park. The benefit raised over $1,200 that was used for Support Groups, training, and resources for parents who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This year the Festival will include a Car Show because of an idea 13-year old Robert Cook had to increase awareness and fun. Robert is a car enthusiast who loves Mustangs and MOPARs. He wrote and sent numerous letters to the community requesting support for this event. Entrance to the Bluegrass Festival costs $5.00 and children under 12 are free. The cost of the Car Show is free. To register a car for the Car Show download the entry form and fax it to James Cook at (540) 463-3079. Entry cost is $15.00. Participants in the Car Show can win in three categories - Participants Choice, Spectators' Choice, and Best in Show. The Bluegrass Festival and Car Show is a great event for the whole family focusing on a day of Great Music, Great Cars, and Great Food for all while helping the Autistic Community" explains James Cook, RBFS Director. "Proceeds from these events are extremely important because RBFS helps families by providing them resources, training, education, and assistance with a child diagnosed with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)." The Bluegrass Festival and the Fare Share will help RBFS and BRAC reach out to more families with ASD. ASD effects 1 in 150 children. RBFS has partnered with the Blue Ridge Autism Center (BRAC) to open a school for Autistic children on August 19, 2009 in Buena Vista. BRAC uses Applied Behavioral Analysis methods to teach children critical life skills.Again, proceeds will benefit RBFS, BRAC, and individuals with Autism in Rockbridge County. For more information on the above events or the new Buena Vista Autism school, call James Cook at 540-319-3542. Rock Bridge Family Services is a private non-profit organization providing resources, education, and support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families living in Rockbridge County.

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