Orange County Walk Now for Autism Raises $330,000, Despite Wildfires
Despite the wildfires during the week leading up to the 5th annual Orange County Walk Now for Autism, 3,500 people walked on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., representing a 28% growth in team participation over last year's event. The walkers, on more nearly 450 teams, raised over $330,000.
Ella Duffner, an Orange County child with autism, sang the national anthem and the Cub Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance. Local band Pinch Me performed a full musical set including the tune “Calling All Angels” as the Walk began. Walkers also enjoyed performances by The Conductors, Mission Viejo High School's drum line and the Songleaders.
Actor/model Jason Olive served as emcee of the day's event. Peter Bell and Scott Leibowitz, Autism Speaks executives honored Doug Braun, vice president of global sales and marketing for Nikken International, the Corporate Visionary Sponsor of the Orange County Walk. Nikken has been a major contributor to Autism Speaks and the Orange County Walk for more than two years.
Ella Duffner, an Orange County child with autism, sang the national anthem and the Cub Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance. Local band Pinch Me performed a full musical set including the tune “Calling All Angels” as the Walk began. Walkers also enjoyed performances by The Conductors, Mission Viejo High School's drum line and the Songleaders.
Actor/model Jason Olive served as emcee of the day's event. Peter Bell and Scott Leibowitz, Autism Speaks executives honored Doug Braun, vice president of global sales and marketing for Nikken International, the Corporate Visionary Sponsor of the Orange County Walk. Nikken has been a major contributor to Autism Speaks and the Orange County Walk for more than two years.
Top fundraisers, Ambryn's Team, enter the Grand Club tent.
Highlights from the Orange County Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
The Walk hosted a resource fair which showcased 46 companies and organizations including Train 4 Autism, The Reading and Language Center, New Vista School and Music Therapy Services of Orange County.
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Orange County Walk Now for Autism, especially National Sponsors Toys"R"Us, Parade magazine and Nutricia North America. Additional thanks to Corporate Visionary Sponsor Nikken, and local sponsors Embassy Suites of Anaheim North, Bilek Racing, 714 Tickets, and Jack FM. Special thanks to Walk Chairs Diane Vitto and Lauren Christ-Vitto for ensuring the success of the event.
The week leading up to the Walk was a challenging time for many in the Orange County community. As many were forced to focus on the threat of the wildfires, quite a few families were unable to attend the Orange County Walk. The Autism Speaks family continues to send their thoughts and prayers to all those who were affected by the fires. Autism Cares, a consortium of leading autism organizations including Autism Speaks, is actively seeking families affected by autism who are also victims of the California wildfires, and invites them to call the Autism Response Team at 1-888-Autism2 or e-mail autismcares@autismspeaks.org to apply for assistance. Families may also register directly at www.autismcares.org.
Visit the Orange County Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Orange County Walk Now for Autism, especially National Sponsors Toys"R"Us, Parade magazine and Nutricia North America. Additional thanks to Corporate Visionary Sponsor Nikken, and local sponsors Embassy Suites of Anaheim North, Bilek Racing, 714 Tickets, and Jack FM. Special thanks to Walk Chairs Diane Vitto and Lauren Christ-Vitto for ensuring the success of the event.
The week leading up to the Walk was a challenging time for many in the Orange County community. As many were forced to focus on the threat of the wildfires, quite a few families were unable to attend the Orange County Walk. The Autism Speaks family continues to send their thoughts and prayers to all those who were affected by the fires. Autism Cares, a consortium of leading autism organizations including Autism Speaks, is actively seeking families affected by autism who are also victims of the California wildfires, and invites them to call the Autism Response Team at 1-888-Autism2 or e-mail autismcares@autismspeaks.org to apply for assistance. Families may also register directly at www.autismcares.org.
Visit the Orange County Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.
A view of the sky with wildfires on set-up day
Walkers visited the resource fair, even while fires loomed in the background.
Characters line up to do stretches before the Walk.
Geoffrey leads the walkers in stretching.
3,500 walkers participated at the new location, Angel Stadium.
A view of the crowd and walkers as they wave towards the jumbotron screen
The Orange County Walk Committee and Geoffrey the Giraffe announce the grand total.
Team Islands of Brea, Calif.
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