Rock the Autism and Skullcandy Shake Up El Camino Real

The event's live music and games drew crowds Saturday afternoon.

San Clemente's Skullcandy headphones hosted the second annual Rock the Autism fundraiser event at their headquarters off El Camino Real. Children were seen dancing, singing and rocking out to the sounds of cover bands and DJs who didn't hesitate to blast the volume.

Rock the Autism is a non-profit local charity that helps guide children with autism through musical instruments.

"We never had any idea how incredible this journey would be," said Rock the Autism co-founder Joey Santley. "The kids are the driving force behind this program. Because they're so passionate about it, it gets us excited, too."

Several organizations showed up in the beautiful weather to volunteer, raise awareness and rock out. The fundraiser also featured guitars, a drum set, face painting and sweet treats.

"We're happy to be supporting something that gives kids access to music, because music is what keeps us moving forward," said Skullcandy music marketing manager Ryan Condrick, also known as "DJ Superb."

Among the day's donations, 12-year-old Summer Gibbons was the first to donate her black acoustic-electric guitar to the Rock the Autism charity.

"I don't really play this guitar anymore," said Gibbons. "I wanted to give it to the kids who will play it."

"We need donations and instruments," said Rock the Autism co-founder Rocky Neidhardt.

"Anything that is donated will go directly to kids so they can play the instrument."

Rock the Autism has also started a music program with the Boys and Girls Club, where they provide instruments and write songs together.

For more information, please visit the Rock the Autism Facebook page here.

Read the full article at: https://patch.com/california/sanclemente/rock-the-autism-and-skull-candy-shake-up-el-camino-real