PALM BEACH 10th ANNIVERSARY WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS KICK-OFF DINNER BRINGS TOGETHER MORE THAN 200 PARTICIPANTS TO COMBAT THE NATION’S FASTEST- GROWING DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER
Increasing Awareness and Raising Money to Support Autism Research,
Advocacy and Family Services in South Florida
West Palm Beach FL, December 12, 2010 – More than 200 people, including individuals with autism, their families and friends, enjoyed dinner while listening to motivational “Why We Walk” speeches to Kick-off the Tenth Annual Palm Beach Walk Now for Autism Speaks season. Emotional and powerful speeches from Joe Landy, Walk Corporate Chair, along with Laura Rivera a young woman with autism and Matt Mueller whose sister has autism hit home the importance of raising funds for research and increasing awareness about the nation’s fastest-growing developmental disorder, now diagnosed in more than 1 in every 110 American children.
Established in 2000, the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events take place all over the country and are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks. The Walks have attracted hundreds of thousands of walkers worldwide who have raised tens of millions of dollars for autism research. This year’s Palm Beach event on March 6th will also host the first competitive 5K Run Before the Walk to introduce Autism Speaks and raise awareness about autism to the running community in South Florida.
It was announced at the event that South Florida Ford Dealers are joining The Slomin Family Center, Lesser Lesser Landy and Smith, LLC and Fetterman and Associates as Corporate Visionary Sponsors for the 2011 Palm Beach Walk. They join National Walk Sponsors Toys “R” Us, Inc. and the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund as sponsors for the upcoming Palm Beach Walk Now for Autism Speaks on March 6, 2011 in downtown West Palm Beach.
To form a team, walk as an individual or find out more about supporting Autism Speaks go to www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/palmbeach or call 800.610.6227.
About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
About the Co-Founders
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. He also serves on the boards of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Suzanne Wright has an extensive history of active involvement in community and philanthropic endeavors, mostly directed toward helping children. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is a Trustee Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater. In 2008, the Wrights were named to the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world for their commitment to global autism advocacy.