Light in the darkness

EILEEN GODIN Times Leader Correspondent

KINGSTON – Reaching out to families and individuals coping with autism, Earthly Angels Autism Fund offered a night of seasonal music Thursday at Wyoming Valley West Middle School.

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About 90 families and individuals affected by autism enjoyed the free entertainment provided by Twelve Twenty Four, a rock music orchestra.

Earthly Angels Autism Fund, a nonprofit group of the Luzerne Foundation, offered complimentary tickets.

Ron D’Eliseo of Duryea, organization co-founder, said families with autistic children often do not have an opportunity for family social outings.

Autism is a developmental disorder affecting the neurological processes of communication and social behavior.

D’Eliseo said the disorder is a condition that affects more children than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.

He said the idea to provide complimentary tickets to the concert came after watching his 14-year-old son’s positive reaction to a recent show. Robert, who is living with autism, has become the inspiration for D’Eliseo and his wife, Brenda, to reach out to help others with the disorder.

“Those with autism are known to react positively to music,” D’Eliseo said.

When he found out a concert was scheduled at the middle school, he thought it could be a great opportunity to offer this gift to other families affected by autism. Working with Twelve Twenty Four and local agencies, Earthly Angels got the word out about the free concert. As people began to pre-register, D’Eliseo began purchasing $15 tickets.

“The tickets were available for pickup at the will-call window,” he said.

He said Twelve Twenty Four members are known for their charitable donations. The musical group performs some Trans Siberian Orchestra pieces as well as its own compositions. The group had agreed to donate a portion of all sales of its album “Miracle on Rock Street” to the Earthly Angels Fund.

D’Eliseo said Earthly Angels formed in 2000, when his son was diagnosed. D’Eliseo said he and Brenda wanted to do something to help others affected by autism.

“We got involved with the Luzerne Foundation,” he said.

Using this as a starting point, the couple soon began developing the concept of the Earthly Angels Fund. D’Eliseo said the goal of the organization is to raise money to help other agencies to offer services.

Since the start of Earthly Angels, D’Eliseo said, the fund has donated in excess of $135,000 to local nonprofit organizations benefiting individuals with autism.

“We are very thankful for the support and funding local businesses and individuals provided to aid various agencies to provide services to these children who would otherwise have no opportunities,” he said.