On August 9th, 2006 the Breedlove Guitar Company, Tower Theatre Foundation, and Flatpicking Guitar Magazine teamed up for a Magical Evening of Music to Benefit the Central Oregon Autism Resource Group.

This event, part of the Breedlove Acoustic Fest 2006, presented some of the best acoustic musicians in a concert event benefiting children with autism and their families. The event was held at the Tower Theatre in beautiful downtown Bend, Oregon. The evening began with a set by fingerstyle guitarist Ed Gerhard. The final set of the evening was presented by Brad Davis (guitar and mandolin), Tim May (guitar, banjo, and mandolin) and Dan Miller (bass).

All proceeds of this event (over $3300) were donated to the Central Oregon Autism Resource Group. Judy Lynne, author of Autism: Heartfelt Thoughts From Mothers (www.autismthoughts.com), gave a presentation preceding the musical performances. Regarding this event, Judy Lynne said, "So much money that is donated to autism goes to research organizations and the families themselves don't necessarily see that money directly. This concert donated the proceeds directly to the Autism Resource Center, which benefits the families and their children with workshops, respite care, a lending library, and various other programs. The Resource Center is run by volunteers and typically has limited or no funding. That is why events like this are so important."

In addition to the money generated by this event, the publicity that the event received in the local media served to bring an awareness of the group and its activities to dozens of families with autistic children in Central Oregon.

Breedlove had pulled together these musicians to participate in the Breedlove Extraordinary Experience (which was held August 10-13, 2006). Adding the benefit concert was a way to allow the local community a chance to hear these talented musicians perform and, at the same time, contribute to a great cause.

In addition to the events main sponsors, many other music industry companies
and organizations donated to this event by buying tickets to the show for families of autistic children. Those sponsors included: Mel Bay Publications, D'Addario Strings, Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, Steve Kaufman Enterprises, Cassette and Video Learning Center, Mandolin Magazine, John Pearse Strings, and Stephan Grossman's Guitar Workshop.

Dan Miller, publisher of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, said that the response from the local autism community was overwhelming. Below, he shares one of the emails that he received after the event:

"Hey Dan,

Thank you, more than I can say here, for your great music and heartfelt words for us parents of autistic kids. In my case, being a single Dad, I've had the joy of seeing years of effort having a huge positive effect for my 11-year-old son, Kai. (Among others who have had worked tirelessly for Kai's future was Heather, one of Kai's tutors). I also talked to Judy Lynne and hope to contribute to her next book, stories from dads.

What a great experience you guys created for us, hope to see you in Bend again sometime."

Thanks again,

Brian Barry