500 Walkers Raise More than $55,500 at Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism
In 2007, the Southwest Missouri Walk survived a torrential downpour. This year, the 2008 Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism found itself facing heavy residual rain from Hurricane Ike. However, the walkers persevered, and on Saturday, September 13, 500 people gathered at Jordan Valley Park in Springfield, Mo. and raised $55,560 – an 18% increase over last year's event. Special thanks to Walk Chair Amy Burnett for making the Southwest Missouri Walk such a success.
Joe and Christine Daues, local television anchors for KSPR 33, the Springfield ABC affiliate, emceed the Walk day festivities. KSPR 33 promoted Autism Speaks and the Walk for the entire month leading up to the event. Family entertainment was varied and plentiful. Springfield Little Theater's Youth Troupe presented children singing and dancing in performances from musicals such as Annie and High School Musical. Bruce Blakemore performed on acoustic guitar and sang, and a bounce house provided hours
Joe and Christine Daues, local television anchors for KSPR 33, the Springfield ABC affiliate, emceed the Walk day festivities. KSPR 33 promoted Autism Speaks and the Walk for the entire month leading up to the event. Family entertainment was varied and plentiful. Springfield Little Theater's Youth Troupe presented children singing and dancing in performances from musicals such as Annie and High School Musical. Bruce Blakemore performed on acoustic guitar and sang, and a bounce house provided hours
Southwest Missouri's Walk Chair, Amy Burnett, and Sponsorship Chair, Mary Hines, hold the Walk Now for Autism banner alongside Batman and Superman for banner cutting during the opening ceremony.
Highlights from the Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~1 minute)
(YouTube video, ~1 minute)
of entertainment for children of all ages.
Representatives from Jack Henry & Associates presented a $32,000 and Springfield City Council member Doug Burlison proclaimed September 13, 2008 as “Autism Awareness Day” in
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism,especially Burrell Behavioral Health, which served as a Gold Sponsor. Three companies contributed as Silver Sponsors: Kraft Foods, Springfield Neurobiological & Spine Institute and Integrity Home Care. Custom Manufacturing & Polishing Inc., Great Southern Bank and Conco Companies served as Bronze Sponsors and three additional companies served as Community Investors.
The New Works Fellowship sponsored the resource fair, allowing the 19 showcased organizations and companies to participate for a waived or a reduced fee.
Visit the Southwest Missouri Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Representatives from Jack Henry & Associates presented a $32,000 and Springfield City Council member Doug Burlison proclaimed September 13, 2008 as “Autism Awareness Day” in
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism,especially Burrell Behavioral Health, which served as a Gold Sponsor. Three companies contributed as Silver Sponsors: Kraft Foods, Springfield Neurobiological & Spine Institute and Integrity Home Care. Custom Manufacturing & Polishing Inc., Great Southern Bank and Conco Companies served as Bronze Sponsors and three additional companies served as Community Investors.
The New Works Fellowship sponsored the resource fair, allowing the 19 showcased organizations and companies to participate for a waived or a reduced fee.
Visit the Southwest Missouri Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Local high school National Honor Society students and other volunteers were happy to provide registration materials to walkers, as well as Walk Day t-shirts to those who raised $100 or more.
Whitney Warren of Joplin's Babies"R"Us and Sharon Hamblett of Springfield's Toys"R"Us represented our corporate sponsor as they provided materials and a meet and greet with Geoffrey the Giraffe for those in attendance.
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