Michael Stanley interviews Don Felder
When Shari Goldberg’s son, Noah, was diagnosed with autism at age two, the Pepper Pike mother didn’t get mad, she got active.
Goldberg has spent the last 10 years not only raising a special-needs child, but fighting for the future of the other 1 in 110 children with the disorder. Goldberg has walked to raise money, hosted fundraisers in her home, worked the phones, educated and counseled parents and caregivers and written her Congressman.
But her biggest project is as a buddi
ng rock show promoter. Goldberg is the driving force behind “Rock ‘Til It Stops,” Autism Speaks’ annual fundraiser at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. This will be the fourth year Goldberg has put on the show, which started with popular local bands and has expanded to host prominent acts such as Stephen Stills, Michael Stanley, The Funk Brothers, and this year, Don Felder, a former member of the Eagles.
“If you would have told me a few years ago I would be planning concerts to entertain hundreds of people and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, I would have laughed,” says Goldberg. “There is so much work, so many details that go into a rock concert. I am learning, though. And every year ‘Rock ‘Til It Stops’ has been a big success.”
Tickets are still available for this year’s show on May 1. The special appearance by Felder, who co-wrote such hits as “Hotel California,” has been a huge draw, says Goldberg. Felder was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Tickets for the event start at $100, and include a private concert by Don Felder, free valet parking and a decadent dessert buffet. There are still sponsorship opportunities available.
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 1 in 110 kids are diagnosed with autism, up from 1 in 150 just a year ago. This is a problem that is increasing, so the need to raise money for research is crucial. A portion of the proceeds go directly to support projects in our local community.
Goldberg says that moms are excellent multitaskers, which makes them ideal to run events both big and small in their communities.
“If I can organize a concert lineup befitting of a venue like the Rock Hall, I can do anything,” she says. “Not only do I hope that the money raised by Autism Speaks will enable us to find a cure for this horrible disorder, I also hope I can encourage more moms of special needs kids to get involved with fundraising events. It doesn’t have to be one this huge, there are hundreds of small ways to get involved and help your own child and other children who have yet to be diagnosed.”
For ticket information or to interview organizer Shari Goldberg, please call 440-449-9922 or visit events.autismspeaks.org/rocktilitstops
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
