Families United in Newtown (FUN) will host its annual benefit concert, “Color Our World with Hope,” on Saturday, May 2, 4 pm, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street. Held in the spirit of Autism Awareness Month, the event extends April’s message of acceptance, inclusion, and hope into an evening of music and shared purpose. Proceeds from the event will support ongoing brain research for autism.

This year’s “Color Our World with Hope” benefit concert carries a deeply personal meaning. For FUN, the evening is not only a celebration of music and community, but also a tribute rooted in love, loss, and purpose. Inspired by the memory of a beloved son, the concert will bring neighbors, students, and local musicians together to celebrate the legacy of Dr Margaret Bauman.

Linda Jones, co-founder of FUN, said, “Seventeen years ago, our lives changed forever with the loss of our nearly 17-year-old nonverbal autistic son, Tyler. His absence is deeply felt, especially during Autism Awareness Month, yet his spirit continues to guide us. Out of our greatest loss came a deeper understanding of connection, compassion, and hope … This night is about coming together as a community and seeing the beauty in every individual.”

This year’s concert honors Bauman, a pioneering pediatric neurologist whose work has transformed the understanding and care of individuals on the autism spectrum. Founder of The Autism Research Foundation and a longtime leader in neurodevelopmental research, Bauman has spent more than four decades advancing science and compassionate care.

When Bauman began her work, autism was often viewed as a behavioral issue. Through her research at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, she and her colleagues identified structural differences in the brains of individuals with autism. These groundbreaking findings helped shift the field toward recognizing autism as a neurodevelopmental difference rooted in brain biology — changing both research and public understanding.

“She opened the door for an entirely new generation of research,” Jones said. “Bauman’s balance of science and empathy continues to inspire how we support individuals with autism right here in our own community.”

“Color Our World with Hope” will feature a mix of performances by more than 25 local musicians, plus the Newtown High School Singers, with vibrant décor reflecting the theme of color and light. The event will highlight the power of music as a universal form of communication and bring people together across all abilities and experiences.

Joining by video, Jodi DiPiazza, a singer, pianist, and autism advocate, will join the FUN stage once again. Her music reflects resilience, expression, and the power of hope, inspiring audiences of all ages.

As Autism Awareness Month emphasizes this year’s theme, “Celebrate Differences,” the concert serves as a tribute and a call to action. It reflects a shared belief that every individual brings something valuable to the world, and that true community is built through acceptance and inclusion.

Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 for students 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased at familiesunitedinnewtown.org.