FATE's New Jersey Bar Challenge

There’s no doubt that awareness of autism has increased greatly over the years and that’s both a good and bad thing. The good news is we are detecting and diagnosing signs of autism earlier which is very important and parents have more resources then ever when it comes to getting answers and help. The bad news is the high percentage of children stricken with the disorder and 1 out of every 150 children born today is on the autism spectrum.

The Foundation for Autism Training and Education or FATE is made up of parents, family members, friends, teachers and others committed to improving the lives of children with autism and their families. They have organized the 2008 New Jersey Bar Challenge in which many of the areas top bars and restaurants will be participating to raise money for children with autism while at the same time battling for bragging rights and prizes.

The competition begins May 31st and runs to July 12th with the establishments doing whatever they can to raise money. Among those who have already come on board are Caffrey’s Tavern, Mulligan’s, The Patio Bar, Hemingway’s, The Ark, Shark Fin Inn, The Idle Hour, Used to Be’s , The Broadway Grill and Connolly Station. They and hopefully others will be competing for prizes like a golf foursome to Due Process, $2000 in Visa gift cards and special seats to a Yankees or Mets game. Of course that’s secondary to raising money for children with autism.

Any bar or restaurant interested in the New Jersey Bar Challenge can get information and register at njbarchallenge.com.

Sounds like a great way to help out a good cause and have some fun doing it.