Jarrod C. Lewis wanted to provide an open house his son could enjoy, and anybody else's child who may fall on the autistic spectrum.
The owner of J. Christopher Real Estate Group works out of a stately historic style Cape Cod transformed into a distinct office space, full of hallways and unique rooms.
Friday night, the home will be transformed into a sensory friendly haunted house for autistic children in the area.
In conjuction with the Autism Project, Lewis plans to take visitors on a tour from outerspace to Hogwarts.
"The haunted house will be a spooky factor of one out of ten," Lewis said, giving a tour of his offices. "The kids will walk around and knock on doors, and get to trick or treat inside. It's going to be a safe, controlled atmosphere."
On Friday, Oct. 29, the real estate group will host the sensory friendly trick or treat inside its offices at 986 Hartford Ave. in Johnston.
"This will be a great opportunity for some peanut-free, indoor trick or treating on Halloween weekend," according to a statement from Johnston-based The Autism Project.
Lewis explained his connection to the organization.
"My son's autistic," he said, standing in the foyer of the home. "He was diagnosed about five and a half years ago, and as parents, we didn't know where to start."
Lewis looked for advice and found The Autism Project.
"They specialize in helping parents," he said. "We've tried to help them back. Every quarter we take a portion of our commissions and make a donation."
Lewis and J. Christopher Real Estate Group have been holding benefits for years, but like every fundraiser, his business has had few options over the past 18 months of the pandemic.
Finally, the climate seemed right for another event.
He said the "sensory friendly" event will avoid "super flashy lights and loud music."
"There will even be a peanut-free option," Lewis said. "We'll even have different people in separate rooms bagging up the peanut-free treats. My son is also deathly allergic to peanuts."
Lewis offered an open invitation to any local parents "whose children are on the spectrum."
The event will take place from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. Parking is available behind the building.
The organizers promise to try to accomodate any visitor's special needs.
"If any of the kids needs to be taken throgh one at a time, we can do that," Lewis said. "We're stocking for 100 visitors. If we get 20 percent of that, we're good.
Parents with questions can call 401-830-6906 or email info@jchristophergroup.com.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here