St. Louis Kick-off Attracts over 420 Attendees
Over 420 guests attended the “Celebrate the Differences” kick-off event in St. Louis on August 17, 2007. Guy Phillips, a Y98 FM radio personality, emceed the event and kept the crowd engaged. The program included speeches by Peter Bell, executive vice president of programs and services for Autism Speaks, and Richard Brown, national director of leadership giving. Dr. Patti LaVesser of Washington University presented details on current autism research. Eleven year old Rachel Gotsch read her award-winning essay about her cousin with autism and received a $200 saving bond from Vantage.
Highlights from the St. Louis Walk Kick-off
(Windows Media Video, ~2 minutes)
(Windows Media Video, ~2 minutes)
Dr. Dorothea Mostello, mother of Michael Johnson, a nonverbal boy with autism, read a poem that he wrote. Both Dr. Mostello and Rachel were recognized with standing ovations. Finally, St. Louis Cardinals' pitcher Russ Springer, sent a message via video to all of the parents in the crowd. The 2007 walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2007 in Forest Park. Visit the St. Louis Walk site or visit the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Michael Johnson receives a standing ovation for his poem, read by his mother, Dr. Dorothea Mostello
Autism Speaks EVP of Programs and Services Peter Bell addressed the crowd
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