Music filled the sanctuary at Newtown Congregational Church on December 30 when 21 local musicians lent their talents to Families United in Newtown’s (FUN’s) 11th Annual Benefit Concert. Over 180 people attended the concert to support the nonprofit foundation.

All of the proceeds from the concert are used for autism awareness, brain research, and to underwrite the costs for providing monthly events for families with special needs children, teens and adults in Newtown and neighboring communities.

FUN was established by residents Linda and Duane Jones, who started fundraising in 2008 with a dream of providing recreational programs and respite for families with special needs children, teens and adults. One year later, following the tragic death of their non-verbal autistic son Tyler, the program blossomed with the support of Newtown High School National Honor Society students.

Each year FUN hosts a benefit concert to fund its monthly meetings that are free and geared towards families with special needs youth. This year’s concert theme was “We Have a Voice.” Music selections reflected this theme and showed the importance of feeling heard.

This year’s special guest was America’s Got Talent season 17 semi-finalist and Connecticut native Amanda Mammana, who graciously performed alongside her sister Sophia throughout the concert. Amanda spoke about her struggles with stuttering since the age of ten and how she decided to break out of her shell and become a performer.

Among the many concert participants were emcee Jay Thomas; music directors Hafez Taghavi and Madelyn Aug; pianist Alexandra Saraceno; technical director Grant Ossendryver; stage managers Jeff and Ava Holmes; videographers Peter McLoughlin; photographers Bill Glass and Mae Wong; neurologist and brain researcher Dr Margaret Bauman; and the 21 musicians who donated their time and talent for the magical event.

Music for two songs during the concert and dinner was provided by the band Vertigo, featuring Jules Kessler, rhythm guitar, vocals, and piano; Evan Chaudhary, bass; Howard Schuster, drums; and Nico Diaz, lead guitar.

The mix of performers included Carter Carlson, Chris Dormer, Christopher Simon, Shaun Mangold , Christopher Samson, Madelyn Aug, Kevin Eckler, Lindsey Jones, Dasha Lipke, Isaac Oring, Terese Peters, Joe Prac, Alexandra Saraceno, Hafez Taghavi, and John Voket.

Senior NHS students Mail Pieragostini and Gjin Abazi presented a ceremonial check to Bauman representing funds raised to help underwrite Bauman’s autism research, and a warm welcome to attendees and participants was offered by former First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, First Selectman Jeff Capeci, and State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Marty Foncello.

For more information or to donate, visit FUN on Facebook (@FamiliesUnitedinNewtown) or online at familiesunitedinnewtown.org or call 203-512-6284. Additional information, including dates for upcoming FUN events, is located on FUN’s website.