Autism Speaks, June Walk Now for Autism Events

$2 Million Weekend for June Walk Fundraisers
Click here for a photo gallery from the spring walks

Walk Now for Autism, Autism Speaks' signature fundraising event, raised over $2 million last weekend in three cities across the United States and Canada. On June 2nd, over 11,000 people turned out at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh to support autism research and raised over $844,000. On June 3rd, the New York City walk in Battery Park drew 7,000 people, raising over $750,000. That same day, 5,000 people from across Canada gathered at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto for the 3rd

Video highlights from the NYC Walk Now for Autism
(Windows Media Video, ~2 minutes)

annual Ontario Walk Now for Autism and raised over half a million dollars. The crowd was entertained by MC Rosemary Thompson of CTV News, children's performer Jack Grunsky and Antonella Vizzini, mother of a recently diagnosed child, who performed the Canadian national anthem. Three people on the autism spectrum acted as the official flag bearers- Ken Moon, age 36 held the Canadian Flag; Carl

Jacob's Hope team captain Ron Bloom and son Jacob cutting the ribbon at the Pittsburgh event.

Jaglall, age 18 held the flag of Ontario; and Josh Weinberg, age 15 held the Autism Speaks flag. Before the day's total was announced, walkers shared their reasons for walking, as parents, grandparents, siblings and teachers shared their stories. For more on the Ontario walk, visit canada.autismwalk.org

Antonella Vizzinni performs the Canadian national anthem at the Ontario event