Mid-May Walk Now for Autism Events Raise $1.32 Million
On May 16 and 17, three Walk Now for Autism events took place in Chicago, Cincinnati and Laurel Highlands. More than 22,000 people participated, raising over $1.32 million.
The sixth annual Chicago Walk Now for Autism took place at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on Saturday, May 16. The Walk attracted 16,000 participants this year and raised more than $1 million. Walkers enjoyed meeting the Honorary Walk Chair, Chicago Bears wide receiver Rashied Davis.
Spencer Savitz, 13, captain of top Chicago fundraising team "Team Tyler,"was one of five speakers who addressed the crowd. A recent story by Spencer's local newspaper
Spencer Savitz, 13, captain of top Chicago fundraising team "Team Tyler,"was one of five speakers who addressed the crowd. A recent story by Spencer's local newspaper
Toys"R"Us' Geoffrey and Chicago-area firefighters lead the crowd in warm-up exercises.
described Spencer's relationship with his brother Tyler, 11, who has autism, and Spencer's efforts on behalf of Tyler. As part of his fundraising efforts this year, Spencer recruited Tyler's friends and his friends to walk and raise money, and also enlisted corporate partners.
Many thanks go to Walk Chairs Jon and Tricia Brouwers for making the event such a success. Read more and view additional photos here.
Many thanks go to Walk Chairs Jon and Tricia Brouwers for making the event such a success. Read more and view additional photos here.
Despite scattered showers, 5,000 attendees raised $268,000 at the second annual Cincinnati Walk Now for Autism on May 16 at Coney Island in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cincinnati Walk attracts participants from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, who travel anywhere from 15 minutes to one and a half hours to attend the event. The Walk showcased an Autism Votes table where nearly 400 signatures were gathered in support of Kentucky and Ohio state initiatives, as well as other federal initiatives such as the ATAA. Special thanks to returning Walk Chairs Jenn Jordan (who also served as emcee), John Manos and Lyn Manos for the continued success of the Cincinnati Walk. Read more and view additional photos
here.
Walkers of all ages were treated to face painting, musical guests, a trampoline, temporary tattoos, photos with Geoffrey the Giraffe, and the opportunity to ride the Coney Island rides for free following the Walk.
More than 1,000 participants came out in support of the fourth annual Laurel Highlands Walk Now for Autism, held once again at Idlewild Park and Story Book Forest in Ligonier, Penn. Congratulations to Walk Chairs Jennifer Graham and Mary Jo Sell, for exceeding their $55,000 goal, raising $55,141.85 with donations still rolling in. Special recognition goes to our inaugural Grand Club Members, Kristen Snider, captain of Team Sam and Walk Chair Mary Jo Sell, captain of Hunter's Helpers. Congratulations to the top teams going into Walk Day
Volunteers staff the Autism Votes booth to collect signatures on petitions that support autism legislation.
including: Evan's Racers, FBR's H.O.P.E. for Tomorrow, Fishing for a Cure, Hunter's Helpers, Lauren's Love Bugs and Seth's Walkers. Additional congratulations to Reid's Renegades for winning the popular vote in the t-shirt contest! Read more and view additional photos
here.
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 events will be held this weekend in
Denver, San Jose (Bay Area)
and
Wheeling
(W.Va.). Kick-off events for future Walks are taking place all across the country;
click here
to find an event near you.
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