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First Walks of Spring Season Raise Nearly $755,000
The 2009 Walk Now for Autism spring season kicked off this past weekend in South Florida, with three events taking place in Jensen Beach, West Palm Beach and Key Biscayne. More than 17,000 people participated, raising nearly $755,000.
Palm Beach County Walk Now for Autism
On Saturday, Feb. 21, 3,500 walkers gathered at Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, Fla. for the 8th annual Palm Beach County Walk Now for Autism, raising over $230,000. Special guests at the Walk included Autism Speaks co-founder Bob Wright, Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr, Rep. Ron Klein (D - FL), State Rep. Ari Porth (D - District 96), Palm Beach County Commissioner Shelly Vana and West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel. Many thanks go to Walk Chairs Kate Cardenas, Denise Negron and Stephanie Raab for making the event such a success. Read more and view additional photos here.

Autism Speaks co-founder Bob Wright and president Mark Roithmayr join Toys"R"Us' Geoffrey the Giraffe and some lucky team members at the start of the Palm Beach County Walk.

Treasure Coast Walk Now for Autism
Following the morning's event in West Palm Beach, 1,500 people joined the inaugural Treasure Coast Walk Now for Autism, organized by Walk Chairs Susan Maxwell and Marcia Weinstein. The Walk took place Saturday afternoon at Jensen Beach High School in Jensen Beach, Fla., and raised over $90,000. Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr was in attendance, along with State Rep. Adam Fetterman (D - District 81). Read more and view additional photos here.

From L to R: Sheila Johnson, Walk Chair Susan Maxwell, Ramona Loutos, Mark Roithmayr, Karen Kinsley, Jaclyn Merens, Walk Chair Marcia Weinstein
Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism
The weekend ended on a high note the next day with the Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism, chaired by Lola Reyes, which was attended by 12,000 enthusiastic supporters. The 9th annual event, which was held at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, raised $430,000. Walkers had the opportunity to meet Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr and former members of the Miami Dolphins football team. Read more and view additional photos here.
12,000 walkers enjoy sunny skies in Key Biscayne.
Lindt & Sprüngli, the world's leading producer of premium chocolate kicked off a new partnership with Autism Speaks at the Florida Walks. The partnership will raise awareness and funds for autism, leading up to Easter and during the month of April, which is Autism Awareness Month. For every Lindt Gold Bunny sold from March 12 through April 12, Lindt will donate 10 cents to Autism Speaks up to $100,000. To further symbolize and support the partnership, Lindt has designed plush Lindt Gold Bunny Ears, which were provided at the Florida Walks. Read more about Autism Speaks' partnership with Lindt here.
Families were treated to bunny ears and chocolate treats from corporate partner Lindt.
All reported fundraising totals are "to-date" - teams are still raising money and the sites are still accepting donations. The next Walk Now for Autism event will be held in Tampa, Fla. on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Kick-off events for future Walks are taking place all across the country; click here to find an event near you.