In an atmosphere brimming with energy and social awareness, hundreds of people gathered on Saturday, July 4, in the heart of Nicosia for Rocking Autism, an evening of live music, inclusion, and giving, held with the generous support of the Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation and Exinity.

The event took place in the outdoor area outside the True Heart Café, the first social enterprise in Cyprus to create meaningful employment opportunities for people on the autism spectrum. It brought together families, friends, local businesses, and supporters for a celebration dedicated to inclusion, with the aim of supporting the work of Voice for Autism, the nonprofit organization behind the True Heart Café.

The Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation and Exinity, as the event’s main sponsors, supported Rocking Autism, embracing a cause that reflects their long-standing commitment to creating meaningful social change and empowering the local community.

At the same time, they honored the pioneering work of Helen Georgiou Pontiki, founder of True Heart Café and President of Voice for Autism, who, through her dedication and vision, has created significant employment opportunities for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences, by establishing the first social enterprise of its kind in Cyprus.

The atmosphere was unique, as the venue filled with people united around a common cause: promoting inclusion through a special musical experience. The evening’s headliners were Hermaphrodite’s Child, the well-known band from Athens, who got the crowd going with beloved rock ’n’ roll hits from the ’50s and ’60s, providing an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Commenting on the event’s success, Andrey Dashin, founder of the Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation and Exinity, stated “The true success of Rocking Autism wasn’t measured by the number of people who attended, but by the message it sent. When businesses, charities, and society at large come together around a common cause, they can bring about real change. We hope that this evening will inspire even more people to support inclusion, support organizations like Voice for Autism, and recognize the limitless potential that emerges when everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

The event was organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Nicosia, Nostalgia Parties, and Cloud10 Music Agency, while True Heart Café, Moondogs, and CoffeeHouse provided food and drinks to the attendees.