Team Jake Michael Fundraiser Slated For Friday, Aug. 26

With the Jersey Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks in Long Branch just over a month away, Team Jake Michael is holding a fundraiser at the in Forked River 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 to raise money to find a cure for autism.

Last year, about 250 people did the walk with Team Jake Michael, raising $9,000 for Autism Speaks, a national organization founded in 2005 to fund research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure, increasing awareness for autism and advocating for the needs of those with autism and their families.

This year, Team Jake Michael’s goal is to raise $10,000 for the walk, taking place on the boardwalk on Saturday, Oct. 1.

“We have a wonderful group of family and friends,” said Tammy Wall, mother of 4-year-old Jake Michael Wall who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. “Every benefit we have, they are 100 percent behind us.”

White Rabbit Band, which plays pop/rock/soul, is donating its time to play at the benefit, which also will feature raffles, chances to win a beach cruiser bicycle, and Team Jake Michael and autism paraphernalia for sale.

Wall said the event wouldn’t be happening without the support of Debbie Abrahamovic Kay, catering/banquet and sales manager of the Captain’s Inn. Kay is donating a portion of the proceeds from the night to Team Jake Michael’s fundraising efforts.

There is no cover charge for the event. There will be information about the walk and people will be able to sign up to walk with Team Jake Michael that night.

“I never envisioned myself doing this,” said Wall, who had never been involved in fundraising efforts like this before forming Team Jake Michael. “We‘re just out there to help these children and adults with autism, especially since it‘s becoming so widespread. It‘s getting scary.”

Wall’s husband is a lifelong resident of Lacey Township and her son is a member of the Forked River Fire Department, a big supporter of Team Jake Michael.

As for Jake, who will be walking with his parents and their team, he has benefited from attending a pre-school program at Cedar Creek Elementary School in Lacey, Wall said. There, he receives extensive therapies, including occupational, physical, speech and feeding therapy.

“He’s a very special boy,” said Wall of her adopted son. “He’s a miracle child.”

Another Team Jake Michael fundraiser, Autism Awareness Day, will take place on Sunday, Sept. 25 at Gille Park on Manchester Avenue in Forked River, which will feature a softball game, food, car show and other activities.

To find out more about the Autism Speaks walk, visit www.autismspeaks.org/.