SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
A concert by the BoogieMen, along with Al Holland and Friends, was the highlight of the “A Night of Autism Awareness” fundraiser Sunday at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County in Port Charlotte. In the VIP room before showtime, fans of Al Holland got a chance to meet the singer. Seen here with Al are Kami Auld and Wendy Maus. The event was held in an effort to raise money to provide a sensory room at Kingsway Elementary School. The project will allow a child to go to a place of peace if he becomes either inactive or overactive. This will be the first of its kind, with hopes of establishing more in elementary schools across Charlotte County.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Fans of all ages came to meet Al Holland and see him perform at the Cultural Center for “A Night of Autism Awareness.” Maggie Grey, 10, posed with Al during the meet-and-greet before the show.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Samir Vakil and his wife Shelley were some of the many sponsors of “A Night of Autism Awareness.”

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Arriving early to get a front-row seat at the concert are Jean McCarthy and Jeannette VanKerkhoven.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Sitting in the VIP section having a great time are Connie Jones, Paul Buckmeier, and Sandi and Terry Redman.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Amanda Fields and Joanne Reid are all smiles during the concert benefiting autism awareness.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
The BoogieMen are seen here performing to a packed house for the autism awareness benefit.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Ceejay Jones, 95, and Jan Brown are getting in some fancy dance moves while the BoogieMen play.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Maestro T. Francis Wada of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Board Chairman Ken Barber enjoy the show.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Al Holland and Friends put on a performance that will not be forgotten during the autism awareness benefit. Their playlist included music from the ’50s, disco, classic rock and Motown. When the group played “My Girl” and “Midnight Train to Georgia,” the audience was on their feet.