"It's Time to Listen" is a song written by 2-time Academy Award nominee Siedah Garrett and 5-time Grammy Award winner Mervyn Warren of the a cappella vocal group Take 6. The song is dedicated to children and families struggling with autism, in celebration of World Autism Day (held annually on April 2). Garrett is also a Grammy Award winner, with Warren also being a 10-time Grammy Award nominee. Garrett performs the song herself.
The song is currently being used as the theme song for "Shop. Sell. Strut!".
Media personality Shefik will serve as Master of Ceremonies at Shop. Sell. Strut!, which takes place at Lake Terrace, 1690 Oak Street, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701, on Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at shopsellstrut.ticketspice.com/shop-sell-strut, with prices ranging from $8 to $15. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Autism New Jersey.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. Signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum condition" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes.
"When I was ten, my parents sat me down to explain my younger brother's disabilities," says Alyssa Morgan Lego, Co-Founder, "Shop. Sell. Strut!". "They told me I may need to one day take care of him. But, the fact of the matter is, my brother has taken care of me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. He taught me to live in a world without judgement and negative stereotyping. 'Shop. Sell. Strut!' is what I know how to do. It's my way to inspire others to live a life of acceptance, mutual respect, patience, and tolerance. To accept and love people just as they are. To be inspired by the difference."
"Alyssa and I made a commitment to each other to do something truly memorable in support of the autistic community," adds Amanda Witkowski, Co-Founder, "Shop. Sell. Strut!". "We've taken everything we love, while involving everyone we love, and it has all grown into something beyond our wildest imagination. It is a fashion extravaganza!"
Sponsors of "Shop. Sell. Strut!" include QVC, New York Giants, New York Jets, New York Knicks, Pandora, Paul Mitchell the School Jersey Shore, D.MONACO, Talisha White, Elizabeth Delgado, The Right Fit Dresses & Alterations, Karlene Lindsay Designs, Hustling Spirit, Bravura Magazine, P.G. Photography, Cakes by Maria G, DJ Nick, Stillwell-Hansen, Ta Chic Boutique, Elizabeth Cordelia, Serengetee, Letiel Bondinat, Colour Pop, Jenkinson's Aquarium, Marc Defang, The Karate Dojo, Xande Fadee, Hookist, and Nyea's Party.
Last Updated: June 12, 2021
