Fall Walk Season Kicks Off in Seven Cities
On September 12 and 13, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events took place in seven cities in the United States and Canada; nearly 10,000 people participated, raising over $558,000.
On Saturday, September 12, 1,300 people raised $46,000 at the fourth annual Fort Wayne Walk Now for Autism Speaks, which took place at a new venue – the Allen County Fairgrounds in Fort Wayne, Ind. For the second year in a row, walkers and volunteers were treated to a pancake breakfast from IHOP. “IHOP Autism Walk Team Fort Wayne” not only generously donated breakfast, but also led the charge with one of the top fundraising teams, which employed a strong Autism Speaks puzzle piece campaign at its area stores. Special thanks to Walk
Members of IHOP AUTISM WALK TEAM FORT WAYNE served fresh pancakes to everyone at the Walk.
Chairs Tom and Mary Weisenberger for the success of the Walk. Read more and view additional photos from the
Ft. Wayne Walk
and
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of the Ft. Wayne Walk on Facebook.
At Monroe Community College, 2,500 walkers (including J-Mac) battled rain but did not let it dampen their spirits at the seventh annual Rochester Walk Now for Autism Speaks, raising nearly $152,000. Instead of a typical balloon arch, a fire truck extended its ladder across the start of the Walk; this was just one of the many highlights, including a resource fair, enjoyed by families. Thanks to Walk Chairs Marci Levy and Lynne Paladino-Demott for their hard work. Read more and view additional photos from the
Rochester Walk and become a fan
of the Rochester Walk on Facebook.
Under rainy skies, Rochester walkers sported colorful umbrellas!
For the first time in three years, walkers enjoyed beautiful weather at Jordan Valley Park in Springfield, Mo., site of the fifth annual Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Nearly 600 walkers participated in the day's activities, which included a resource fair, raising over $47,000. Springfield City Council member Doug Burlison read a proclamation signed by the Mayor of Springfield, James O'Neal, designating September 12, 2009 as “World Autism Day” in the City of Springfield. Many thanks to returning
While walking, the participants were treated with a surprise appearance by Batman.
Walk Chair Amy Burnett for making the Southwest Missouri Walk such a success. Read more and view additional photos from the
Southwest Missouri Walk
and
become a fan
of the Southwest Missouri Walk on Facebook.
The second annual Sullivan County Walk Now for Autism Speaks took place at the Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, N.Y., drawing 300 enthusiastic walkers who raised more than $20,000. Despite the rain, participants were able to enjoy all of the activities indoors, thanks to the use of the Sullivan County Community College Field House. Many thanks go to returning Walk Chair Kelly-Anne Giminiani for her continued support of the Walk. Read more and view additional photos from the
Sullivan County Walk
and
become a fan
of the Sullivan County Walk on Facebook.
From left to right: Colleen Gibson, Kim Tuckey, Linda Simmons, Sherry Eidel, Kelly-Anne Giminiani (Walk Chair), Kelly McRell, Krista Brink-Hyzer
Two hundred walkers joined the inaugural Capital Area New York Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs, raising $30,000. Roy McDonald (R, C, IP) 43rd Senate District, who has two grandsons with autism, inspired the attendees with a moving speech. Thanks to Kim and Mark Fine for serving as Walk Chairs. Read more and view additional photos from the
Capital Area Walk
and
become a fan
of the Capital Area Walk on Facebook.
From frost and early winter weather in year one to sunny skies in year two – the Edmonton Capital Region Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Rundle Park was a fantastic success, raising over $113,000. Record-breaking temperatures brought 2,000 walkers out to enjoy the day's festivities, including a popular kids activity area staffed by Children's Autism Services of Edmonton and a Teen and Adult Meet and Greet Tent hosted by the Autism Society of Edmonton and Area. Special guests included Mike Lake, MP for Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont,
Chris Ciezki (Edmonton Eskimos) MP, Mike Lake and son Jaden, Chief of Police Mike Boyd and Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum congratulate and thank Grand Club Members while Chandelle Rimmer sings the national anthem.
who was joined on stage by his teenage son, Jaden, who has autism, and Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Glenrose Rehabilitation Centre and Chair of Autism Speaks' global Baby Siblings Research Consortium. Special thanks go to Walk Chairs Geoff Samagalski and Kristi Etcheverry for their support of the event. Read more and view additional photos from the
Edmonton Capital Region Walk
and
become a fan
of Autism Speaks – Canada on Facebook.
On Sunday, September 13, 3,000 people raised $150,000 at the seventh annual Southern New England Walk Now for Autism Speaks hosted at Colt State Park, a beautiful oceanfront venue in Bristol, R.I. Big thanks go out to radio station CAT Country, who returned as media sponsor for the third year in a row, raising over $19,000 for their team, as well as generating a lot of awareness about autism throughout the summer. Special thanks to Walk Chairs Sue Swanson and Kim Gilbertson for making the Southern New England Walk such a success.
A dad takes a moment to pose with his kids at the Walk.
Read more and view additional photos from the
Southern New England Walk
and
become a fan
of the Southern New England Walk on Facebook.
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 on September 26 in
San Diego,
Westfield (Mass.),
Shakopee (Minn.),
Portland (Ore.),
Philadelphia
and
Vancouver.
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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