2008 Walk Now for Autism - Lehigh Valley PA

Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism Doubles Participants in Second Year

On April 12, 7,000 people walked in the 2nd annual Lehigh Valley Walk Now for at Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, Penn. This was twice as many people as at last year's event, making the walk the largest event to be held at the Lehigh Parkway to date. Twice as many teams participated as did last year, and raising over $436,000, an increase of more than 30%.

The event began in dramatic fashion when Star Wars characters rode into the park on fire trucks with the alarms sounding. The Storm Troopers escorted Geoffrey the Giraffe, whoto cut the ribbon with Rachel Brooks, Miss Pennsylvania 2007, and her brother Brandon, who has autism. After completing her ceremonial duties, Rachel ran the Autism Votes booth. U.S. Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15) poke about support for the local autism community. State Representative Doug Reichley voiced support for PA HB 1150. Mike Kelly and Laura Cramer, hosts of B104's "Cramer & Kelly in the Morning" radio show, and Bob Holder, host of AM 1470 The Fox's "After Further Review," served as emcees. Concluding the speeches, Gloria Hamm, Lehigh County Commissioner, issued a resolution commending the Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism.




Entertainment at the Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism was varied and abundant. Sam Ash Music provided sound, and The Pale Ryders, who have a personal connection to autism, entertained the crowd with great rock music. Geoffrey the Giraffe greeted his many fans, accompanied by Star Wars characters, Crayola "walking crayons" and clowns from Tootsie & Friends. The Emmaus High School cheerleaders performed, and Noah's World donated moonbounces. Studio Fun provided on-the-spot pictures for children.

The resource fair showcased 30 booths, including Autism Speaks Family Services Community Grant recipient Via of the Lehigh Valley, Carol Walck & Associates, Lehigh County Dept. of Human Services, Children's Mental Health and Early Intervention, Autism Resource Community Hub of the Lehigh Valley, Autism Society of America -- Lehigh Valley Chapter, KidsPeace, and Glenn R. Koch & Associates. A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks to National Walk sponsor Toys"R"Us for bringing Geoffrey the Giraffe and featuring the "10 Toys that Speak to Autism." Gold sponsors included Lehigh Valley Acura, Honda, Hyundai, and Suzuki. Silver sponsors included Our Memories in Motion, Good Shepherd Home, and Metro Beauty Academy. Bronze sponsors included Carol Walck & Associates, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Air Products, Crayola, Ridgeview Hausman LP, Plumbing Council of Chicagoland, and Business Aerotech. On walk day, The Bachman Company provided puzzle piece pretzels, Applebee's provided lunch (including gluten free dishes), Crayola provided tons of crayons and markers, and SkillsUSA vocational students ran the children's activity areaNestle Water, Banko Beverage, Vitamin Water and High/Drive Energy Drink provided beverages. Many thanks to Walk Chair Karen Barbarics for making this walk so successful.

Visit the Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism 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
• lehigh
• valley
• pennsylvania
• family
• fundraiser