Bounce Factory Marks Anniversary With a Party for Others

Lots of businesses use anniversary dates to boost sales, but Bounce Factory owner Tony D'Amato saw a bigger return possible in hosting a special party for others at his Bounce Factory center.

D'Amato opened the business Monday—the one day it's normally closed—to host a party for the residents of Mt. Bethel Village and kids from the Comprehensive Autism Medical Center. 

The adult residents of Mt. Bethel Village, many of whom also are autistic, visited from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by the youngsters. Both groups enjoyed the Bounce Factory's fun amusements, playing laser tag and trying to stick on the Velcro Wall.

"I cannot believe what I'm seeing in the other rooms," Dr. Paul Abend, director of the Comprehensive Autism Medical Center, said. "There's nothing more satisfying than watching an event like this and watching the smiles of kids, and the faces of parents."

Parents seem to particularly enjoy the opportunity for their kids to have some safe and unstructured play time, a rare commodity for most special needs kids.

"Events like this are something you truly look forward to," Basking Ridge resident Madeline Hartling, who brought her 10-year-old son Liam to the party, said. "He's inside having the time of his life, bouncing like a pinball. We're having a great time."

"We're having a blast—and they're having a great time," D'Amato said.