Over 70 bands are coming together to support Eden Autism.
Joey Affatato organized and curated Play for Purpose, Vol. 2, a music compilation to give back to the organization that holds a very special place in his heart. His brother, Alex, attends the Adult Services Day Program.
This is the second musical fundraiser Joey has organized for Eden. In 2021, the original Play for Purpose raised more than $1,000. The success of the first music compilation and the cuts to Medicaid funding across the nation inspired Joey to launch Play for Purpose, Vol. 2.
The compilation album features music from 70+ artists — ranging from rock, punk, folk, and pop — and nearly half of the songs are unreleased, or unique versions not found elsewhere. Joey teamed up with DIMM Music, Makin Waves, and BlowUpRadio.com to help promote the album.
“I wanted to help support my brother’s services and help other kids and adults with autism get the help they need,” said Joey. “Eden has been such a wonderful thing in my brother’s life.”
Alex first attended the Eden School before graduating and joining the Adult Services Day Program in 2019. In the years since the last fundraiser, Alex was hired by Wawa.
“The fact that he is out working with so many people is amazing,” said Joey. “It’s inspiring. With all of Alex’s struggles and the things that have happened in his life, he’s moving forward and living his life with a smile on his face.”
One day, Joey went to Wawa to grab lunch, not realizing it was the same Wawa where his brother worked, and he got to see him on the job. It was hard for Joey to put into words what it meant to see his brother working a job he enjoys and interacting with colleagues and customers. “It put the biggest smile on my face to see him working,” said Joey.
“Eden means so many things to my family. It means joy. It means security. Eden is a Godsend. I think Eden is just a true blessing in my family’s life and in my brother’s life,” said Joey.
Play For Purpose, Vol. 2 is available on Bandcamp for $20. All proceeds from each sale will go directly to Eden Autism. On the first Friday of each month, Bandcamp waives its service fee, allowing even more money to go towards Eden’s services.
To purchase the album, visit bandcamp.com.