Patrick’s Grille Levels Up Acceptance with a Dine to Donate on April 6
February 20, 2025
This April, Patrick’s Grille is celebrating Autism Acceptance Month in a big way! On Sunday, April 6th, the beloved Neptune restaurant is opening its doors for a special evening of great food, live music, and community support—all while giving back to a cause close to their hearts. A portion of the proceeds from each meal will be donated to Autism New Jersey and Team Kathleen in the upcoming April 12th Shillelagh Plunge for Autism.
When: April 6, 2025
Where: Patrick’s Grille 62 W Sylvania Ave, Neptune City, NJ 07753
How It All Began
The idea for this meaningful event started with longtime Neptune residents Anthony and Jackie Kelly. As passionate Autism Ambassadors and parents to their daughter Kathleen, who is on the autism spectrum, the couple was brainstorming ways to bring back their annual fundraiser after the pandemic. While sitting in Patrick’s Grille—a favorite spot of theirs—Jackie casually pitched the idea to owner Patrick Fitzsimmons, and the event was born.
When asked why he was eager to support the cause, Patrick’s answer was simple yet powerful:
“Jackie was a support teacher in my elementary school. While she wasn’t there for me specifically, she took me and many others under her wing, always modeling what it meant to be there for your community. That act of kindness stuck with me, and when she approached me with this idea, it was a no-brainer.”
A Place of True Acceptance
For the Kelly family, choosing Patrick’s Grille as the event’s host was just as easy. Since its opening in September 2020, the restaurant has been their go-to spot—not just for the food, but for the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that means more than words can express.
“We sometimes run into challenges when dining out as a family,” Jackie shares. “Because autism isn’t always visible, when Kathleen needs to move around or adjust salt and pepper shakers at another table, people sometimes stare or seem uncomfortable. At Patrick’s, they just let Kath be Kath. The staff and guests embrace her, making it the one place where we feel truly accepted—almost like family.”
Join Patrick’s Grille and the local autism community for a night of great food, meaningful connections, and a chance to make a difference. Dine, donate, and help spread autism acceptance—one meal at a time.
Interested in taking autism acceptance to the next level? Join the 2025 Autism Acceptance Ambassador Program today and start making a difference!
As an ambassador, you’ll receive helpful tools, resources, and inspiration to make a real impact during National Autism Acceptance Month and beyond. Whether you’re a family member, educator, or community member, this program is for anyone passionate about spreading kindness and understanding.