AUTISTIC RIVER EDGE BOY EAGER TO GIVE BACK

RIVER EDGE - It started with a school assignment: What would you do if you had $100? For Jack DeSavino, 10 at the time, the answer was clear: Give back to kids who, like him, have autism.

The budding philanthropist began his mission with the help of his proud mom, Kathy. Instead of gifts for an upcoming birthday, Jack asked for donations to Autism New Jersey. Two years later, motivated by the joy his service dog, Nardi, brought him, Jack asked party guests to donate money to pay for twin boys with autism to have their own service dog.

This year, Jack, now 14, and his family are going big with a fundraising dance party to help support the expansion of an international organization called Best Buddies in New Jersey. The event will be held Saturday at Glow in Waldwick.

Best Buddies, a nonprofit, is dedicated to creating one-to-one friendships, as well as employment and leadership opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Though it has several active chapters in New Jersey, it is unable to expand further until a state office is opened, said Vallye Adams, director of expansion and mission development for the organization.

The DeSavinos are one of several groups around the state that will raise money for the effort. Donors need to raise $250,000 to open an office.

Adams said since Best Buddies was founded by Anthony Shriver - Maria Shriver's brother - in 1989, it has grown to more than 2,300 chapters in 52 countries around the world, helping to end the social, physical and economic isolation of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its three-pillar program.

The group's mission starts with friendship, creating one-to-one connections between peers with and without disabilities, from middle school age through adulthood. The relationships boost confidence and quality of life for participants, according to the Best Buddies website.

"It promotes inclusion and seeing people for their abilities, not their disabilities," Adams said.

Kathy DeSavino knows how important social connections are for people like her son. Since Jack was a toddler, she's been intent on surrounding him with peers. He now has a core group of friends that look out for him, Kathy said.

But as Jack gets older, and kids his age become more independent, Kathy said Best Buddies could fill in the gaps and make sure Jack and others like him have someone to connect with on a consistent basis.

For Rich Migatz, a Paramus resident who is on the board of the New Jersey expansion team, the most important initiative offered by Best Buddies is its employment program for those with special needs.

Eighty-four percent of adults with an intellectual or developmental disability are unemployed, according to the Best Buddies website. Adams said Best Buddies has successfully placed about 400 people through its program, which she said is career-oriented and tries to find jobs for participants that match their interests and abilities.

Migatz has seen the benefits a positive work experience can have, for both the employer and employee. His 19-year-old son, who is autistic but high functioning, is studying culinary arts and takes a tremendous amount of pride in his work at a local pizzeria, his father said. In turn, he's a productive and reliable employee - his employer "speaks very highly of him and his work ethic," Migatz said.

As for Jack, a talented athlete and drummer in the school band, he said he would like to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and be a gym teacher.

Jack's aunt, Karyn Jacobs, will be on his fundraising team along with her 17-year-old son, Steven. She said aside from helping those with disabilities, Best Buddies also shapes participants without disabilities into better people.

"Kids learn science, math and English at school, but what about going into the world and being leaders?" she said. "It starts with accepting people for who they are."

Jacobs said her sister-in-law Kathy is the perfect person to lead a fundraising effort for Best Buddies, as she has tirelessly advocated to ensure Jack has the best life possible.

"Not every person has a warrior for a mom, like Kathy," Jacobs said. "Best Buddies can be that for someone."

Email: nolan@northjersey.com

IF YOU GO

WHAT: A dance party for local 7th and 8th graders to support the expansion of Best Buddies in New Jersey

WHERE: Glow Party Venue, 145 Hopper Ave., Waldwick

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 7-10 p.m.

TICKETS: $25, jackdesavinoglowparty.eventbrite.com

DONATE: bestbuddies.org/find-programs/new-jersey/