Inaugural Sacramento Walk Now for Autism Raises Over $355,000
Although it was over 96 degrees in the blazing sun, nearly 5,000 people showed their support at the Inaugural Sacramento Walk Now for Autism on Sunday, September 28. The Walk, which took place at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, a prestigious state-of-the-art research organization in Sacramento, Calif., raised over $355,000.
Pat Still from KNCI Radio and Sarah Gardner, a former news anchor for KCRA-TV who helped to co-found the M.I.N.D. Institute, emceed the event. Tracey MacDonald, Autism Speaks' National Director of Community Development, spoke during the opening ceremonies. Music and entertainment were provided by Capitol City DJ, Natomas Charter School Vocal Ensemble, 501st Legion (Vader's Troop) Stormtroopers, Superman, Spiderman, Tinkerbell, Belle, and of course, Geoffrey the Giraffe. Autism Speaks supporter Marty Seagraves' autism awareness motorcycle was on display at the Walk site.
Pat Still from KNCI Radio and Sarah Gardner, a former news anchor for KCRA-TV who helped to co-found the M.I.N.D. Institute, emceed the event. Tracey MacDonald, Autism Speaks' National Director of Community Development, spoke during the opening ceremonies. Music and entertainment were provided by Capitol City DJ, Natomas Charter School Vocal Ensemble, 501st Legion (Vader's Troop) Stormtroopers, Superman, Spiderman, Tinkerbell, Belle, and of course, Geoffrey the Giraffe. Autism Speaks supporter Marty Seagraves' autism awareness motorcycle was on display at the Walk site.
The 501st Legion of Stormtroopers delighted attendees, including young walker Ethan Byrne.
Highlights from the Sacramento Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
(YouTube video, ~2 minutes)
The M.I.N.D. Institute hosted registration, and participants were able to take and order commemorative team photos, play in six bounce houses and other structures, walk throughout the beautiful and shaded neighborhoods surrounding the M.I.N.D. Institute, and enjoy a barbecue lunch and snow cones afterwards!
The resource fair showcased 30 organizations and companies including A Touch of Understanding, Access True Knowledge; Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD), Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT), Alta Regional Center and Pacific Autism Learning Services (PALS).
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Sacramento Walk Now for Autism including Morrow Surveying, Thomas Enterprises, Fantastic Sam's, Northern California Orthopedic Center, Pacific Autism Learning Services (PALS), Pacific Medical Inc., Pioneer Grading and Paving, UC Davis Health Systems, UHS Schools, Beale's Enlisted Spouses Club, Pacific Medical Prosthetics & Orthotics, The Swinerton Foundation and Silicon Valley Bank. Special thanks to the many generous in-kind donors which provided services or items at no cost or at a greatly discounted rate, including Campbell Soup Sacramento, which also formed a huge corporate team and raised over $20,000 for the Walk. Special thanks to Walk Chairs Kristen Byrne and Stephanie Blackard for making the inaugural Sacramento Walk such a success.
Visit the Sacramento Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.
The resource fair showcased 30 organizations and companies including A Touch of Understanding, Access True Knowledge; Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD), Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT), Alta Regional Center and Pacific Autism Learning Services (PALS).
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Sacramento Walk Now for Autism including Morrow Surveying, Thomas Enterprises, Fantastic Sam's, Northern California Orthopedic Center, Pacific Autism Learning Services (PALS), Pacific Medical Inc., Pioneer Grading and Paving, UC Davis Health Systems, UHS Schools, Beale's Enlisted Spouses Club, Pacific Medical Prosthetics & Orthotics, The Swinerton Foundation and Silicon Valley Bank. Special thanks to the many generous in-kind donors which provided services or items at no cost or at a greatly discounted rate, including Campbell Soup Sacramento, which also formed a huge corporate team and raised over $20,000 for the Walk. Special thanks to Walk Chairs Kristen Byrne and Stephanie Blackard for making the inaugural Sacramento Walk such a success.
Visit the Sacramento Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.
The Sacramento Walk Planning committee prepares to announce the Walk Day total.
Walkers, including Team Toys"R"Us, enjoyed the shaded walk route.
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