On Sunday, Nov. 2, the largest autism awareness event in Arizona took place at Tempe Beach Park, where more than 10,000 people joined the 4th annual Arizona Walk Now for Autism, hosted by Autism Speaks and the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center. The Walk, which boasted a 25% increase in participation over last year's event, raised over $500,000. Special thanks to Walk Chairs Mark Masters and Evan Danziger for their leadership.

Professional baseball player Orlando Hudson served as Honorary Walk Chair and led a Walk team joined by Arizona Diamondbacks players Eric Byrnes and Jeff Salazar. Daron Sutton, play-by-play announcer for the Diamondbacks, returned as emcee of the day's festivities. Daron's co-emcee was Claudia Saucedo, of Recuerdo 100.3 and 106.3, who informed Spanish-speaking walkers about the day's activities.

The crowd enjoyed performances by Arizona Angels dance troupe (which also raised $21,000), TripleFire,

More than 10,000 walkers participated in this year's event at Tempe Beach Park.

Ballet Folklorico Estrella Azul, Desert Arroyo cheer squad, Hendrix Spirit Line and Gilbert Color Guard. Nisha Katari performed the national anthem. Families also visited the 41 organizations and companies, including SGYNTYME, Rusty's Morningstar Ranch and GALA, which participated in the resource fair.

Special thanks to the many generous sponsors which helped make the Walk a success, including Discover Financial, Hensley, H.O.P.E. Group, Mercy Care, Sundt Construction, Miravista Holdings, Rancho Solano Private Schools and Acme Ice Cream Events and Blue Bunny which also provided ice cream for the walkers. Sweet Tomatoes provided food for walkers and Airpark Signs & Graphic provided all of the banners and signs. Thanks to CVS/Caremark for sponsoring an in-store promotion in 100 locations across Arizona. The Arizona Walk Now for Autism would also like to recognize its media sponsors: 98.7 The PEAK, COX cable, Univision Radio and Univision Television.

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