Autism Speaks, World’s Largest Autism Walk Raises Nearly $1.256 Million

World's Largest Autism Walk Raises Over $1.25 Million

On Sunday, Oct. 5, 25,000 people walked at Jones Beach in Wantagh, N.Y., to show their support at the 9th annual Long Island Walk Now for Autism, raising onver $1.25 million.

Though the day started as a rainy one, over 700 teams enjoyed the Walk and its activities, which included an informative and well-attended resource fair. The fair featured 24 booths and included community partners such as AHA NY, The Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and the NS-LIJ Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism.

Jim Douglas from radio station KJOY served again as emcee. Also returning was Honorary Walk Chair Craig Allen, Chief Meteorologist for WCBS 880 AM Radio. Guest speakers included Representative Carolyn McCarthy, and May-Lynn Andresen, administrative director of Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism, NS-LIJ Health Systems. Other elected officials present included State Senator Craig Johnson, State

A young member of "Mikey's Angels" enjoys the Long Island Walk.

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

Assemblymen Rob Walker and David McDonough, and the Honorable Ken Davis, NY State Supreme Court Justice, 10^th Judicial District.

Entertainment at the Walk was varied and plentiful, including the Swingtime Big Band, “American Idol” performer Amanda Colluccio, Magical Music, Glor Na nGael Pipes & Drums and Irish step dancers. Students from Oceanside Middle School performed the national anthem.

A number of generous sponsors made the Long Island Walk Now for Autism possible, including Bank of America, Nutricia, AMDi, which raffled off five assistive communicative devices for kids on the spectrum; GEICO Insurance, which brought its mascot: the GEICO Gecko; Toys”R”Us, which brought Geoffrey; MetLife/Melville Financial Group which brought Snoopy; the New York Islanders, which brought their slapshot hockey booth; and the Rebecca School, which donated 25,000 bottles of water with labels featuring the Rebecca School logo and the Walk Now for Autism logo. Many thanks to Executive Committee Chair Michael Giangregorio and Executive Committee Vice Chair Dan Ryan for making the Long Island Walk such a success.

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

Lara and Zach from Team Zach Pack

Rainy skies didn't dampen the walkers spirits!