Third Annual Autism Awareness Day Returns to Gille Park Sept. 23

Autism Awareness Day returns to Gille Park for its third year on Sunday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event, coordinated by Tammy and John Wall whose son was diagnosed with Autism at two years old, will feature a car show, vendors, entertainment, refreshments, a silent auction, 50/50, a petting zoo, games for kids and more.

All those activities will be followed by a charity softball game played at 4 p.m. between ShopRite and Lacey PBA #238.

“Every year it keeps getting bigger and bigger,” John Wall said. “Everyone wants to be involved, which is such a great thing.”

When 5-year-old Jake Michael was diagnosed, the family decided to put together a team called Team Jake Michael. With friends and family, they participated in an Autism Speaks’ walk in Long Branch.

From there, the team started holding events to bring awareness to Autism and to raise funds for Team Jake Michael of Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy and research organization.

“We just decided to put an event together with local volunteers,” John Wall said. “Before you knew it, the township, local merchants, EMS and fire departments wanted to be involved.”

As an employee of ShopRite, the food store has also gotten involved by participating in the charity softball game and donating food, he said.

East Coast Car and Truck Club is hosting the car show with the assistance of Sentimental Cruisers. They are expecting more than 100 cars. The first 100 cars will receive dash plaques. There will be 30 trophy plaques given out, including one for “Best in Show.”

All makes and models are welcomed at the show and same day registration is $15.

Vendors can also register on the same day of the event for a $20 donation. Vendors will get a 10X10 or a 12X12 space but must bring their own tent and table.

Food and refreshments will be for sale as well.