Autism Speaks, Arizona Walk Now for Autism Raises Over $550,000

Arizona Walk Now for Autism Raises Over $550,000

It was a wonderful, yet very warm 94 degrees on Sunday, November 4, at the Arizona Walk Now for Autism, hosted by Autism Speaks and the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), as over 7,000 walkers came together at Tempe Beach Park, raising over $550,000.

Honorary Chairman Orlando Hudson, second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, treated walkers to a wonderful surprise

when he arrived with some friends, teammates Eric Byrnes, Chris Young and Luis Gonzales. The players walked the three mile route with the “O Dog's Web Gems” team and then stayed until every autograph was signed and every picture was taken. Daron Sutton, television announcer for the Diamondbacks, kept the crowd energized as the emcee of the festivities.

Also on hand were Geoffrey the Toys "R" Us giraffe, Baxter of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Howler of the Phoenix Coyotes and three storm troopers. Tempe locals Jed's A Millionaire rocked the house, and the crowd enjoyed performances by the Arizona Angels, Estrellas Latinas, Ballet Folklorico, Nisha Kataria, and a karate demonstration from Gilbride ATA.

Visit the Arizona walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.

Members of John Hall's Jesters pose for a team photo

TeaMonica walks in memory of Monica Cabusi

Honorary Chair Orlando Hudson and Arizona Diamondbacks teammate Eric Byrnes lead the walk