DSACNJ Presents 2009 Fundraiser, Performs 'Through Our Eyes' 6/14 In NJ

The Down Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey (DSACNJ) will present its 2009 fundraiser in partnership with Allies Inc. with a special performance of "Through Our Eyes" on Sunday, June 14, 1 p.m., at Kelsey Theatre on the West Windsor campus of Mercer County Community College, located at 1200 Old Trenton Road.

The doors to Kelsey Theatre will open at 12 noon with a display of Chinese auction items to raise money for the two nonprofit organizations. Other items will be auctioned off live at intermission. Among the items donated by members of the community are restaurant gift certificates, tickets to sporting events, merchandise, services, and more.

DSACNJ is a nonprofit support group established to assist families of children with Down Syndrome. The association provides support, encouragement and information through monthly meetings, a newsletter, social activities and other resources to parents and others whose lives touch their children. DSACNJ educates the community about the potential and needs of people with Down Syndrome and is affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Congress and the National Down Syndrome Society.

"Through Our Eyes," written and composed by Alan Rosen, is produced by Allies, Inc., of Hamilton, NJ. Allies has assisted people with disabilities through supportive employment, housing, and more for the past ten years. Allies' "Through Our Eyes" promotes awareness and raises funds for special needs education, recreational programs and activities.
"Through Our Eyes" is an original musical that tells unique stories through a series of vignettes and an original musical score that communicates how individuals with disabilities see the world. Half of the more than 60 cast members are people with special needs, including members of the Down Syndrome Association. The cast was invited to perform at the United Nations in March 2008 as part of its King, Ghandi, Chavez-Seasons of Non-Violence Celebration. Mr. Rosen is a recipient of the 2009 VSA Arts of NJ's Dare To Imagine Award for his work on this show and the population it supports.

Tickets for the event and show are $25-$35 and are available online at www.kelseytheatre.net. For additional information or to make a donation, contact Alan Rosen at 609-689-0136, ext. 119, email arosen@toemusical.org, or visit www.toemusical.org.