20,000 Participants at Georgia Walk for Autism Raise $1 Million
Although stormy weather prevailed, rain did not stop 20,000 walkers from participating in the Georgia Walk for Autism, on Saturday, April 12, and raising one million dollars for Autism Speaks and The Marcus Institute. The walk, which took place at Atlantic Station in Atlanta saw a 25% increase in registered teams over last year.
The Georgia Walk for Autism brought together a large portion of the autism community within the state of Georgia. Many prominent figures from the local community and beyond participated in the Opening Ceremonies, including Honorary Walk Chairs Bob and Suzanne Wright (Autism Speaks co-founders), Bernie Marcus (co-founder of The Home Depot and an Autism Speaks board member) and Billi Marcus (the co-founders of the Marcus Institute), and Donna Lowry, (Kids and Education Reporter for NBC affiliate). Also participating in the Opening
The Georgia Walk for Autism brought together a large portion of the autism community within the state of Georgia. Many prominent figures from the local community and beyond participated in the Opening Ceremonies, including Honorary Walk Chairs Bob and Suzanne Wright (Autism Speaks co-founders), Bernie Marcus (co-founder of The Home Depot and an Autism Speaks board member) and Billi Marcus (the co-founders of the Marcus Institute), and Donna Lowry, (Kids and Education Reporter for NBC affiliate). Also participating in the Opening
Highlights from the Georgia Walk for Autism
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
Ceremonies were Dr. Jon Poling, a neurologist from Athens, Ga., with his daughter Hannah. Atlanta City Councilman Post 1 At Large, Ceasar Mitchell, presented the Walk with a Commendation from the Atlanta City Council. Entertainment was abundant, ranging from music by singer-songwriter Keith Naylor and the “Voice of Atlanta Choir,” to magician Howie the Great.
The resource fair showcased 37 booths, including Jacob's Ladder, Autism Society of America, Cobblestone Therapy Group, Lekotek of Georgia, Parkwood Farms Therapy Center. A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Georgia Walk for Autism.Special thanks to National Walk sponsor, Toys"R"Us, for bringing Geoffrey the Giraffe and featuring the “10 Toys that Speak to Autism,” and to Chevy, for serving as the Corporate Visionary sponsor. Numerous media sponsors donated their services, including: B98.5FM, WXIA-Channel 11 Alive, Skirt! Magazine, Atlanta Parent Magazine, Dunwoody Crier, Clear Channel Outdoor, CBS Outdoor, Comcast Spotlight, and WUPN 69 – Cable 10. The Embry Companies contributed as a Gold sponsor and Brain Balance and Nutricia as Silver sponsors. Many thanks to returning Walk Chair Jeff Chiusano for making this walk so successful.
Visit the Georgia Walk for Autism page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
The resource fair showcased 37 booths, including Jacob's Ladder, Autism Society of America, Cobblestone Therapy Group, Lekotek of Georgia, Parkwood Farms Therapy Center. A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Georgia Walk for Autism.Special thanks to National Walk sponsor, Toys"R"Us, for bringing Geoffrey the Giraffe and featuring the “10 Toys that Speak to Autism,” and to Chevy, for serving as the Corporate Visionary sponsor. Numerous media sponsors donated their services, including: B98.5FM, WXIA-Channel 11 Alive, Skirt! Magazine, Atlanta Parent Magazine, Dunwoody Crier, Clear Channel Outdoor, CBS Outdoor, Comcast Spotlight, and WUPN 69 – Cable 10. The Embry Companies contributed as a Gold sponsor and Brain Balance and Nutricia as Silver sponsors. Many thanks to returning Walk Chair Jeff Chiusano for making this walk so successful.
Visit the Georgia Walk for Autism page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Clockwise: Bob Wright, Jon Poling, Hannah Poling, Suzanne Wright
Nine year old David Militello sings the anthem, accompanied by Alpha Trivette of the B98.5FM morning show.
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