Cleveland held its first ever Walk Now for Autism Kickoff Event at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven on Tuesday, June 26, 2007. This event, with approximately 575 people in attendance, was the largest Inaugural Kickoff Event in the history of Autism Speaks.
Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks, was in attendance and provided the guests with a brief overview of the mission of Autism Speaks and thanked Cleveland for such a warm welcome. He also challenged them to hold the largest and most successful inaugural Walk event in the history of Autism Speaks, a challenge the guests accepted enthusiatically.
Special thanks to Mistress of Ceremonies, Eileen McShea, from WKYC – Channel 3's Good Company morning show; and guest speakers: Debra Mandell, Director of The Monarch School; Roger Dunlap; Carolyn Hare, Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Tissue Program; Denise Donaghue and Angel Russo; and Leslie Sinclair, Program Director for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism.