On World Autism Awareness Day, the legendary voice of Supertramp, Roger Hodgson, sang his songs in true charitable fashion when he performed a concert proving that no child musician with autism is just ‘Dreamer.’
Hodgson agreed to bring his 4-piece band and a 39-piece orchestra so he could play the song ‘Give a Little Bit’ with four teens on the autism spectrum, after hearing about their fundraising campaign of the same name.
Jake’s House, a Toronto organization dedicated to providing support to families affected by autism, hosted the evening at the Sony Centre, which also included speeches by the city’s mayor and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“I wrote the song Give a Little Bit, but Jake’s House is putting it into action, and that really inspires me,” said Hodgson.
His hour-long performance for the 2000 guests in attendance on April 2nd featured his famous hits like Take the Long Way Home, School, Breakfast in America, The Logical Song, and Dreamer. But the best part was the final song when he launched into Give a Little Bit and invited some of the talented youth from Jake’s House to sing and play the song with him.
In the audience, the parents of the young musicians (Spenser on guitar; Rawan on vocals; Luc on saxophone; and Ron on piano) were filled with awe and pride, as they watched their kids steal the show—and realized the truth of their limitless potential.
CHECK OUT: Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour Auctions Off 126 Guitars and Raises $21 Million for Climate Change Battle
Founded in 2004 by Irene and David Bodanis, the nonprofit Jake’s House was inspired by their son, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 1995. Primarily through events and programming, they “strive to empower children; offer caregivers support and respite; raise awareness; share resources; and build a close-knit community” in and outside of Ontario.
This is Roger’s first time being involved in an autism charity, but said the concept of Jake’s House fundraising campaign, ‘Give a Little Bit’ resonated strongly with him.
Visit the Jake’s House Give a Little Bit campaign to learn how you can make a difference.
(WATCH the magical performance—and try not to cry!)
SHARING is Caring! Please Give a Little Bit on Social Media…