An Evening of Food and Songs

by Laura Marie Lazar.

On a beautiful Sunday evening in November of 2011, approximately 150 people gathered together at the gorgeous home of Broadway’s esteemed Lewis Flinn and Douglas Carter Beane, for “An Evening of Food and Songs” to benefit Music for Autism. Lewis and Douglas, along with their two delightful children, had generously opened their doors to us, our guests, and small army of caterers, to allow M4A’s achievements over the past year and aspirations for 2012 to take center stage for the night. Joining the celebrations was Broadway chanteuse Kerry Butler who helped us stay true to the M4A ethos by performing a spirited set of her favorite tunes. Not one to be left out of the musical fun, Lewis joined in on the piano and gave the crowd a sneak peek of his then-undebuted new musical, Lysistrata Jones. Finally, and most amusingly, Seth Rudetsky of Sirius’ Broadway Radio fame eventually hopped up on the improvised coffee-table stage with Kerry to belt out a number or two.

Even without these special lyrical treats, noted as a “personal highlight” by M4A’s founder, Robert Accordino, the evening would have been just as festive and lively. The ever-growing and ever-exuberant crowd proved over and over again to be a joint testament to not just the power of Music for Autism’s work, but to the unfailing efforts and enthusiasm of its volunteers and, especially, Robert himself. Almost every single person in the room had been brought in and inspired upon the strength of his passion for the organization and the verve with which he is able to carry out his life and work. Though Robert has stepped back in his duties as an active leader, and Executive Director, Eileen Schneyman has taken over with resounding success, he has remained heavily invested in M4A’s growth and development, and his excitement for its future was on full display on this hopping Sunday night.

“The evening was so unique and special and brought attention to Music for Autism’s work in a very memorable way,” Robert remarked. Though this was undeniably a Broadway-themed night, Robert did not play the Broadway diva and graciously spent much of his time acknowledging his fellow volunteers and Board members, several of whom were present at the gala and all of whom who’d had a part in making the evening, and the year, so very rewarding.

After two hours of laughing, singing, noshing and mingling, it was clear that the real take away from the benefit was the knowledge of just how powerful Music for Autism is in the lives of its families, and just how important it is to keep its work going. Music for Autism raised $31,000 that night in support of continuing Music for Autism’s program of free concerts catered to individuals with autism and those that love and care for them.

Overall, the evening was a resounding success and the perfect way to close out a successful year. Music for Autism is looking ahead into the future with optimism and fresh goals and expecting, above all, a whole lot of great, musical fun.