On Sunday, Aug. 13, it’s time again for Rock N Jock Charities’ 23rd annual two-day event at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick.

The organization helps raise money to fight illnesses, including Friedreich’s Ataxia, an illness battled by beloved Johnston resident Matthew DiIorio, who’s family has pledged to keep up the good fight.

“In his 40 years of living, Matt literally inspired thousands in whatever he was involved but no more so than getting people to participate in raising funds and awareness and making the need to find a treatment and a cure for Friedreich’s Ataxia a priority,” according to the organizers of the Race for Matt & Grace. “Through each challenge Matt encountered during his 27-year battle with FA, he always managed to find the good in it, and it was Matt’s mission to help others with FA experience the benefits of the FARA community, which has converted an FA diagnosis from a lonely place of uncertainty into one full of hope and optimism.”

The beloved son of Sallyann and Jack DiIorio and big brother to twins Andrew and Nicholas, Matt passed away on the Fourth of July 2021, due to complications from FA.

Attending the Rock N Jock Charities 23rd annual two-day event is yet another way to show support for Matt’s family and the cause he believed in.

A Golf Tournament has also been scheduled for the following day, Monday, Aug. 14, at Potowomut Golf Course.

“They have been supporting FARA and A Wish Come True for the last few years, last year they were able to give each organization $14,000,” said Matt’s father,  Jack DiIorio.

For more details or to purchase tickets go to www.rocknjockcharities.com.

The 2023 Rock N Jock Charities entertainment line up for our 23rd Night of Entertainment is now official. The event will feature Neal & the Vipers, who will return as the show-opener. As always Steve Smith and the Nakeds will perform. Renowned Latin percussionist Tito Puente Jr. will be joining the lineup.

“We dare anyone to stay in their seat for his performance!” Declares the Rock N Jock organizers. “We are thrilled to announce that Rhode Island’s own Billy Gilman has confirmed he will perform for us this year.”

Tickets are available now.

There’s also an update on the annual Race for Matt & Grace (partially named for Johnston’s Matt DiIorio).

The race was started in September of 2010 by Katie Hopkins and her brother Patrick in honor of their cousin Grace Hopkins who was diagnosed with FA September of 2008. The race was called “The Race For Grace” with about 70 participants, according to the event’s website. At the after party for the race in 2012, Katie and Patrick announced they were changing the name of the race to “The Race for Matt and Grace” to honor the fight of both families.

“We invite you to join the families of FA patients Matt DiIorio, Grace Hopkins, and Alex Fielding on Sept. 23, 2023, at Rhode Island College in Providence for the 13th Annual Race for Matt & Grace,” declares Matt’s friends and family. “This daylong event features a 5K, 1.5 Mile Fun Walk and an after-party with food and live entertainment.”

You can sign up at their website: give.curefa.org/event/fara-5k-or-race-for-matt-and-grace-2023/e489319.

Race registration runs from 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by a speaking program and the race fires off at 10 a.m.