Monroe Township Community Affairs hosted its annual Autism Awareness Day at the Pfeiffer Community Center on April 25, an event that drew about 1,500 to 2,000 people over three hours, according to the department’s supervisor, Brandee Derieux.
The initiative celebrated autistic kids and adults alike and was planned in conjunction with Finn’s Friends, a local autism awareness nonprofit run by business owner Anthony Iovino.
Inside and outside the center, kids got to see trucks used by township organizations, including the police and fire departments. For those who needed it, sensory tents and tables were set up so guests could calm themselves. Information and resource tables were also available to provide access.
“It was a non-stop flow of people and it’s always a magical day,” Derieux said. “Every year, except for one, there’s usually rain everywhere else but here. It always holds out until the event ends and that’s always a plus.”
Attendees at the Autism Awareness Day on April 25 gathered inside the Pfeiffer Community Center to show their support for the autism community.
The day’s events also included a petting zoo with live animals, a balloon artist on stilts, a face painter, the local ventriloquist Justin Thomas and a DJ.
Residents also got the chance to preview Finn’s Friends Park. Located behind the center, the playground will be the first fully inclusive play area in Gloucester County. Construction began at the end of February.
“What an incredible event put on by the township of Monroe, Monroe Township Community Affairs and Finn’s Friends, their fifth annual Autism Awareness Day,” noted Jim Jefferson, deputy director of the county commissioners. ” … This was such a beautiful, coordinated effort to show support, raise awareness and highlight services right here in our community.
“A huge thank you to all who worked so hard to make this amazing day all come together. What an awesome job.”
“The fact that you see the support we’ve gotten, it’s very rewarding,” Derieux observed. “We’ve had people from all over the area come and say they don’t have something like this in their town. We’re probably one of the only towns that do something like this.”
A balloon artist on stilts entertained kids as their mothers looked on.
