2008 Walk Now for Autism - New York City

4th Annual New York City Walk Now for Autism Increases Participation by Nearly 50%

On Sunday, June 22, 11,000 people walked at South Street Seaport in New York City for the 4th annual New York City Walk Now for Autism, representing an almost 50% growth in participation over last year's event. The walkers, on more than 500 teams, raised over $860,000.

A number of people spoke during the opening ceremonies, including the emcee, Radio personality Joe Rosati of Z-100 served as emcee for the event and Jesse Mojica, Founding Walk Chair for the New York City Walk Now for Autism; State Senator Marty Golden (R) and Councilman David Weprin (D), Autism Speaks president Mark Roithmayr; and Pat Battle of WNBC News, all spoke during the opening ceremonies.

Walkers enjoyed performances by Audra Rox, beatboxers Kid Lucky, Elizabeth Balzano from Sprout's "Bounce," students with autism from the Glenholme School, and a piano solo performed by Chris Tudor, a student with autism from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Students from Elizabeth's Dance School performed and also cheered on walkers at the finish line. For the third year, walkers were treated to performances by Jennifer Richman and students from PS 77 and the Latin stylings of "Las Estrellas" from PS 178 with Joel Torres; both groups feature students with autism. Geoffrey the Giraffe from Toys"R"Us and characters from Hi 4 mingled with the crowd. Participants had the opportunity to tour old sailing vessels, take a tour of New York harbor from the end of the pier or visit the maritime museum, all within a few steps of the start of the Sunday's Walk.

The inaugural resource fair showcased 11 organizations and companies, including Divine Minds, Blink Twice, Birch Family Services, The McCarton School, the New York City Police Department with Operation Safe Child, Autos for Autism, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and CARD -- Center for Autism Related Disabilities. Mt. Sinai, Columbia University and Hunter College recruited participants for research studies.

Generous sponsors that contributed to the success of the New York City Walk Now for Autism included National Walk Sponsor Toys"R"Us, top corporate fundraising team Barclays Capital, The Rebecca School, Theracare, Extended Home Care, and AMDi Thanks to Uno's Chicago Grill, which provided wrap sandwiches for all participants. Special thanks to returning Walk Chair Steve Cibrano and first-time Walk Chair Michele Montanez for making the New York City Walk such a success.

Visit the New York City Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• autism
• speaks
• walk
• now
• for
• new
• york
• city
• fundraiser