17,000 Walkers Raise $1.425 Million at Chicago Walk Now for Autism
The 5th annual Chicago Walk Now for Autism took place at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on Sunday, May 18. The Walk attracted 17,000 participants this year, a 30% increase in participation over 2007, and raised more than $1.4 million.
Prior to the Walk, State Senator William (Willie) Delgado (D), and Representatives Patricia R. Bellock (R), and Karen May (D) spoke about Illinois SB1900 which will include insurance coverage for therapies such as speech, occupational, physical and applied behavioral analysis (ABA), and other evidence-based, medically necessary treatments for autism. They directed walkers to the Autism Votes booth to sign a petition to encourage the bill's passage.
Prior to the Walk, State Senator William (Willie) Delgado (D), and Representatives Patricia R. Bellock (R), and Karen May (D) spoke about Illinois SB1900 which will include insurance coverage for therapies such as speech, occupational, physical and applied behavioral analysis (ABA), and other evidence-based, medically necessary treatments for autism. They directed walkers to the Autism Votes booth to sign a petition to encourage the bill's passage.
The Chicago Walk committee (with honorary member Geoffrey) is on stage warming up the crowd immediately before the walk.
Highlights from the Chicago Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
Numerous bands, including Mr. Downtown, The Scribble Monsters and Pals, Scottie Long, and The Naturals, entertained the crowd. Additional entertainment was provided by The Jessie White Tumblers, who performed a tumbling act, and Radio Disney, which kept the kids captivated. Families also visited the resource fair, which featured a lineup of 62 organizations and companies.
Special thanks to National Walk Now for Autism sponsors Toys”R”Us, Parade magazine and Nutricia. Fifth Third Bank, a silver sponsor, staffed the accounting room and is currently running a community program which will continue to benefit Autism Speaks. Bronze sponsors included CDW, Legacy Marketing, McCormick Tribune Foundation and Navistar. Van Kempen served as a Community Investor. Additional thanks to grocery chain Jewel for marketing the walk and donating fruit and granola to all walkers, Starbucks for providing coffee and Walgreens for donating water.
Thanks to returning Walk Chair Lee Jorwic, who has been involved with the Walk since its inception in 2003, for making this walk so successful.
Visit the Chicago Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Special thanks to National Walk Now for Autism sponsors Toys”R”Us, Parade magazine and Nutricia. Fifth Third Bank, a silver sponsor, staffed the accounting room and is currently running a community program which will continue to benefit Autism Speaks. Bronze sponsors included CDW, Legacy Marketing, McCormick Tribune Foundation and Navistar. Van Kempen served as a Community Investor. Additional thanks to grocery chain Jewel for marketing the walk and donating fruit and granola to all walkers, Starbucks for providing coffee and Walgreens for donating water.
Thanks to returning Walk Chair Lee Jorwic, who has been involved with the Walk since its inception in 2003, for making this walk so successful.
Visit the Chicago Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Pete DiCianni, author of Senate Bill 1900, and members of the Chicago Southside Autism Chapter were present at the walk. Pete DiCianni spoke at this year's ceremony.
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