Walk for Autism-Virginia
By padoodledo
For immediate release
July 1, 2008
Contact: Barbara Wagner
info@walkforautismva.org
Website: www.walkforautismva.org
Walk for Autism-Virginia Invites You to Help a Child in Your Community
Do you know someone affected by autism? You will soon… Today, it is estimated that an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will be diagnosed in 1 out of every 150 children. Autism is more prevalent among children than juvenile diabetes, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and childhood cancer combined. However, with the right kind of intervention, kids with autism can greatly improve, and even become indistinguishable from peers.
The Autism Society of America – Northern Virginia Chapter is pleased to announce its 4th annual Walk for Autism - Virginia to be held on October 25, 2008 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas, VA. The Autism Society of America – Northern Virginia Chapter is a non-profit organization that provides information and referrals to families affected by autism spectrum disorders in Northern Virginia.
This Autism Walk, Fun Run and Community Resource Fair will help raise awareness about the increasing frequency of autism and fund mini-grants for children with an autism spectrum disorder. This year the mini-grants will expand the therapies it funds to include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), speech therapy, occupational therapy and many other therapies! Anyone in Northern Virginia with a child diagnosed with an ASD can apply.
The 2008 Autism Walk will include a resource fair, live D.J., moon bounces, children’s train, clown, tattoos, bubbles, games, silent auction, and plenty of kids activities. In the opening ceremony, several prominent community members will speak about the importance of early intervention and their vision for children with autism. Various local and national companies will exhibit at the resource fair to provide information about products and services available to families with ASD children as well as other products and services available for the general public. DJ Jonathan "J" Riley will keep the energy flowing by playing fun family music. Professional photographer, Karen Nutini, will capture wonderful moments with family and friends. Tasty treats will be available including Gluten/Casein Free snacks, Chick-fil-A sandwiches and sweet tea, Starbucks Coffee, pizza, snow cones, ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn, and of course, bottled water. It will be a day of fun for all! Registration is free and will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the walk beginning at 11:00 a.m. Also, new this year….every registered walker will receive a FREE Walk for Autism-Virginia T-shirt!
Last year, over 425 family members, friends and neighbors participated in the Walk, 36 companies supported the Walk, 70 volunteers assisted with the Walk, and 6 prominent local politicians spoke at the opening ceremony. The 2007 Walk provided 26 families in Northern Virginia scholarships worth over $70,000. These research-based, behavioral interventions help children with autism be successful in the school environment and the community. Unfortunately these therapies can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year and are not covered by health insurance. Many children in our area go without therapy because of this financial burden. We are blessed with such tremendous support and are planning a larger and even more successful Walk this year!
Join us for Walk for Autism-Virginia on Saturday, October 25th. Walk by yourself or form a team of family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. Information for the walk and online registration is available at www.walkforautismva.org. Commemorative signs are available to recognize a friend or loved one on the spectrum. The sign can include photos and words of encouragement. Commemorative signs will be placed along the walk route for all to see and are yours to keep after the Walk. Contact us at (703) 859-0030 or info@walkforautismva.org to place your order for a sign.
We are also accepting applications for corporate sponsors and exhibitors. If you have a business or community service you’d like to promote by sponsoring the walk or exhibiting at our resource fair, please contact Christine Hoch at choch@comcast.net.
If you are unable to join us for the Walk, you can still help out children in our communities by making a tax deductible donation at http://www.firstgiving.com/walkforautismva. Your contribution will make a huge impact on the life and future of a child with autism. Our children and families thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
Full information about the Walk for Autism – Virginia including online registration, is at www.walkforautismva.org. For questions about the Walk, send an email to info@walkforautismva.org. For information about corporate sponsorships and exhibiting at the 2008 Walk, contact Christine Hoch at choch@comcast.net.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2008 Walk for Autism-Virginia and thank you again for your time, dedication and commitment to helping children afflicted with autism in your community!
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