2nd Annual Oklahoma Walk Now for Autism Increases Participation by 64%
On Saturday, June 7, 4,500 people walked at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Okla. for the 2nd annual Oklahoma Walk Now for Autism, representing a 64% growth in participation over last year's event. The walkers, on nearly 180 teams, raised over $168,000.
Oklahoma State Senator Jay Paul Gumm (D), who has been tireless in his efforts to pass state insurance mandates cover autism-related treatment, spoke at the opening ceremony. Walkers enjoyed appearances from local high school cheerleaders, Star Wars and Ghostbusters characters, Rowdy Redhawk, mascot of the Oklahoma Redhawks minor league baseball team, Chester the Clown, and City of Oklahoma Firefighters, who brought their ladder truck. The child-friendly event boasted an inflatable jumping machine, obstacle course, ball pit and super slide. There was hair coloring for kids, bubbles, a Play-Doh station, and a “touch & try” musical instrument station sponsored and staffed by the Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra.
Oklahoma State Senator Jay Paul Gumm (D), who has been tireless in his efforts to pass state insurance mandates cover autism-related treatment, spoke at the opening ceremony. Walkers enjoyed appearances from local high school cheerleaders, Star Wars and Ghostbusters characters, Rowdy Redhawk, mascot of the Oklahoma Redhawks minor league baseball team, Chester the Clown, and City of Oklahoma Firefighters, who brought their ladder truck. The child-friendly event boasted an inflatable jumping machine, obstacle course, ball pit and super slide. There was hair coloring for kids, bubbles, a Play-Doh station, and a “touch & try” musical instrument station sponsored and staffed by the Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra.
"I love someone with Autism" signs were distributed by Oklahoma's Advocacy Chairperson, Dee Blouse, prior to the walk to be displayed proudly along the route.
Highlights from the Oklahoma
Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~3 minutes)
Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~3 minutes)
The resource fair showcased eight organizations and companies, including National Walk Sponsor Toys”R”Us, Sensational Kids, Oklahoma Autism Network, Britton Chiropractic, Camelot and Organic Gourmet.
Generous sponsors that contributed to the success of the Oklahoma Walk Now for Autism included Able Sales & Rents which donated tables and chairs; Action Safety Supply which provided barricades and planning to ensure a safe walk route through downtown Oklahoma City; the Bricktown Rotary Club, which supplied walk day manpower, snacks and water; and Sprint which contributed walkie talkies. Special thanks to returning Walk Chair Crystal Frost for making the 2nd annual Oklahoma Walk such a success.
Visit the Oklahoma Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Generous sponsors that contributed to the success of the Oklahoma Walk Now for Autism included Able Sales & Rents which donated tables and chairs; Action Safety Supply which provided barricades and planning to ensure a safe walk route through downtown Oklahoma City; the Bricktown Rotary Club, which supplied walk day manpower, snacks and water; and Sprint which contributed walkie talkies. Special thanks to returning Walk Chair Crystal Frost for making the 2nd annual Oklahoma Walk such a success.
Visit the Oklahoma Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Autism Speaks staffer Jennifer Smith Rodrigues creates "the happiest place in Oklahoma."
Turner Thompson learns to play the trombone, with some help from the Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra.
Crystal Frost, 2008 Oklahoma Walk Chair addresses the sea of participants during the opening ceremonies.
Opening Ceremonies for the 4,500 walkers at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark
The Braden Bunch leaving the ballpark on the walk route.
Toys"R"Us' Geoffrey mingles with the crowd at the Oklahoma Walk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
