Picture perfect weather welcomed walkers to the sixth annual St. Louis Walk Now for Autism, held Saturday, Oct. 11. More than 21,000 people attended the walk at Forest Park, a 31% increase from last year. Walkers on over 500 teams raised $850,000 with funds still being received.

Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks thanked the participants during the opening ceremonies and encouraged them to continue all their hard work because it is making a difference. Mayor Steve Bryant from Bethalto, Ill. presented a check to the Walk for over $50,000 which his team raised through three fundraisers.

The Rams Cheerleaders joined in the festivities and the famous Anheuser Busch Clydesdales made a guest appearance. The park was alive with activities for all members of the family including a replica of a 1949 paddy-wagon and fire engines to explore, clowns, face painters, balloon artists, costumed characters, hip-hop dancers, bubbles galore, and a lot of food!

Mayor Steve Bryant of Bethalto, Ill. presents Autism Speaks' president Mark Roithmayr with a check for more than $50,000!