Autism Speaks, Record Crowd at Inaugural Columbus Walk Raises Over $582,000

Record Crowd at Inaugural Columbus Walk Raises Over $582,000

On Sunday, Oct. 12, 10,000 participants turned out for the inaugural Columbus Walk Now for Autism at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, representing the greatest attendance at an inaugural Walk in Autism Speaks' history. The walkers, on 378 teams, raised over $582,000.

Jerod Smalley, NBC 4 sports anchor and father of a child with autism, emceed the event. Special thanks to Autism Speaks co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright, Autism Speaks board member Laura Slatkin, and Harry Slatkin, president of Home Design for Limited Brands and of Slatkin & Co., who revved up the crowd during the opening ceremonies. Dr. Gordon Gee, president of Ohio State University and Honorary Walk Chairperson concluded the opening ceremonies and introduced the OSU Cheerleaders and mascot Brutus to lead the Walk.

The Ohio State Cheerleaders with mascot Brutus Buckeye led the Walk through the OSU athletic facilities adjacent to Value City Arena.

Highlights from the Columbus Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~2.5 minutes)

Attendees enjoyed a petting zoo provided by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, dancing by the SwingColumbus Dancers and the Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance, hands-on science activities from COSI, bounce houses, a fire prevention smoke house created by the New Albany and Columbus Fire Departments, and a special musical performance by Six Pack Theory. WCOL's morning show crew, “Woody and the Wake-up Call,” hosted additional outdoor activities.

The Walk hosted a resource fair which showcased 35 companies, including Dreams on Horseback, Helping Hands Center for Special Needs, Nationwide Children's Hospital Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, the Ohio State University Medical Center (The Nisonger Center) Rupp Research Group, School Choice Ohio, The Learning Spectrum, LTD, WeJoySing, and Step by Step Academy.

A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Columbus Walk Now for Autism. White Castle contributed $25,000, formed a Walk team and held an in-store promotion in support of the Walk. Limited Brands hosted the Walk kick off event and Team Slatkin raised over $52,000 for the Walk. Other notable sponsors included Oakstone Academy, Ohio Health, Cardinal Health, METSS Corporation, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. WCOL served as radio sponsor and NBC4 served as TV sponsor. Coca-Cola and Met-Rx provided refreshments.

Additional thanks to Walk Chairs Marci Ingram and Steve Petrill for making the Walk such a huge success.

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

The Executive Committee takes some time for a photo to celebrate the success of the inaugural Columbus Walk Now for Autism event!

All photos courtesy of Ira Graham Photography.