Fort Wayne Walk Now For Autism Increases Participation by 72%
On Saturday, September 27, 1,200 people enjoyed the 3rd annual Fort Wayne Walk Now for Autism at Foster Park in Fort Wayne, Ind. The walkers, on more than 100 teams, raised $70,000 - $7,000 more than at the 2007 Walk.
At the opening ceremonies, Sandy Thompson, a senior member of the "Live Doppler 15 Fury Storm Team of Fort Wayne News 15” and the grandmother of a child on the spectrum, introduced the top five fundraising teams. Then Jennifer Brown, a member of the Three Rivers Wesleyan Church team, sang the national anthem. Children met special guest mascots, including Baby Cow from Chick-fil-A, Charlie Chip from IHOP and Teddy Trooper from the Indiana State Police. Children also enjoyed three bounce houses, an extensive playground, toys provided by The Dollar Store and a performance by Kirk Hughes, who sang children's songs and played the guitar. The cheerleading squads from Elmhurst High School and Bishop Luer High School cheered on the walkers and the Wayne High School football team
At the opening ceremonies, Sandy Thompson, a senior member of the "Live Doppler 15 Fury Storm Team of Fort Wayne News 15” and the grandmother of a child on the spectrum, introduced the top five fundraising teams. Then Jennifer Brown, a member of the Three Rivers Wesleyan Church team, sang the national anthem. Children met special guest mascots, including Baby Cow from Chick-fil-A, Charlie Chip from IHOP and Teddy Trooper from the Indiana State Police. Children also enjoyed three bounce houses, an extensive playground, toys provided by The Dollar Store and a performance by Kirk Hughes, who sang children's songs and played the guitar. The cheerleading squads from Elmhurst High School and Bishop Luer High School cheered on the walkers and the Wayne High School football team
Dedicated members of the IHOP Team - Mohamed Elswerky, General Manager of IHOP at 4403 ColdWater Road and Mike Meling, Womack Restaurants IHOP - served walkers freshly made pancakes.
Highlights from the Fort Wayne Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
volunteered to lead the kids' games and greet walkers. As a special treat, Fort Wayne walkers were treated to hot pancakes cooked by local area IHOP restaurants. Team IHOP, led by Vance MacKubbin, was the top fundraising team.
The Walk also hosted a resource fair, which showcased 20 companies and organizations, including the Indiana State Police, Parkview Hospital, Autism Tissue Program, Boy Scouts of America, Adaptive ABA, Hand In Hand Preschool and Fresh New Start L.L.C.
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Fort Wayne Walk Now for Autism, including SDI, Paragon Medical, and UAW Local 2209. Special thanks to sponsors Harry R. Gottfried Insurance Agency, which fielded a Walk team and Parkview Memorial Foundation, which participated in the Resource Fair and provided numerous Walk day volunteers. Many thanks to returning Walk Chair Lisa Compton for making her 3rd Fort Wayne Walk the most successful yet.
Visit the Fort Wayne Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.
The Walk also hosted a resource fair, which showcased 20 companies and organizations, including the Indiana State Police, Parkview Hospital, Autism Tissue Program, Boy Scouts of America, Adaptive ABA, Hand In Hand Preschool and Fresh New Start L.L.C.
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Fort Wayne Walk Now for Autism, including SDI, Paragon Medical, and UAW Local 2209. Special thanks to sponsors Harry R. Gottfried Insurance Agency, which fielded a Walk team and Parkview Memorial Foundation, which participated in the Resource Fair and provided numerous Walk day volunteers. Many thanks to returning Walk Chair Lisa Compton for making her 3rd Fort Wayne Walk the most successful yet.
Visit the Fort Wayne Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.
The 2008 Fort Wayne Walk Committee, lead by Lisa Compton at the Opening Ceremonies
Members of the Wayne High School Football Team in "uniform" to properly greet our attendees
Kirk Hughes sings to the crowd during opening ceremonies
Members of Race For Chase begin the Walk with smiles!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|||||||||||||
