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3rd Annual Las Vegas Walk Raises over $105,000

On Saturday, Oct. 11 over 1,200 participants turned out for the 3rd annual Las Vegas Walk Now for Autism at the Sam Boyd Stadium Silver Bowl in Las Vegas, Nev. The walkers, on 170 teams, raised over $105,000. The Walk was part of the larger Autism Speaks Weekend in Las Vegas, which included the inaugural ING Direct Ride Now event and a pool party at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Sue Manteris, NBC Channel 3 anchor, served as the Walk emcee. To begin the opening ceremonies, the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard presented colors as Girl Scout Troup 653 led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lisa Gallipoli, National Director of Field Services for Autism Speaks, spoke to the crowd about the importance of fundraising and of working together to pass insurance legislation.

Team Toys“R”Us came out in full force with more than 25 walkers!

Highlights from the Las Vegas Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~1.5 minutes)
Walkers were treated to bounce houses, face painting, puzzle piece tattoos, and balloon animals from Balloons with a Twist, fun characters by Steve N' Kids and a special performance by Sign Design. DJ Jeremy and Geoffrey the Giraffe with National Walk Sponsor Toys“R”Us entertained the crowd all morning long.

The Walk hosted a resource fair which showcased 40 companies, including the Civil Air Patrol Group, who brought a flight similar to entertain the kids, FEAT of Southern Nevada, UNLV Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers, Center for Creative Therapeutic Arts, and ACON, who helped gather over 500 signatures on petitions for new autism legislation.

A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Las Vegas Walk Now for Autism. NCB Channel 3 provided numerous on-air mentions of the Walk and a daily countdown to the Walkfor the week leading up to the event. The Las Vegas Review Journal sponsored ads during the month of September to help promote the Walk. Clear Channel donated billboard Walk ad space.

Special thanks to Walk Committee members Christina Anguilo, Jennifer Cameron, Jan Crandy, Allison Jarrett, Sheri Mattern, Kimberly Novak, Megan Poulos, and Valerie Soto for their contributions to the Walk's success

Visit the Las Vegas Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.
Megan Crandy, a young woman with autism, deejayed at the event.
Tons of fun was had at the Resource Fair where 40 organizations came together on Saturday!