Autism Speaks, North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the fourth annual Nashville Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on Sept. 10, at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville.
All event proceeds will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in the Nashville area and beyond.
Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in one in every 110 children, including one in 70 boys, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a unique fundraising event that offers a safe and fun day for families impacted by autism. The day includes a two to three-mile walk and community resource fair with educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities – a true “one-stop-shop” for families affected by autism.
For the fifth straight year, Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us will serve as the North American sponsors of Walk Now for Autism Speaks.
Additional sponsors include: Wholesale Inc, Cunningham, The Children’s Treatment Center, Dollar General, Reeves-Sain Family of Medical Services, Demo’s Restaurant, Vi-Jon Inc, River Oaks Learning Center, Tennessee State Parks, Therapy Buzz, Fox 17, The CW 58, MY 30, Clearchannel Radio, 98.1 WSIX and 107.5 The River.
The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, raising nearly $26 million in 2010 alone to support autism research, awareness and advocacy.
Last year’s Nashville Walk Now for Autism Speaks attracted more than 2,500 walkers and raised over $175,000. Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in the Nashville area. Locally, 17 projects representing $1,718,737 in investments have been funded.
In addition to its national efforts, the organization has provided over $50,000 in funding to local services providers, including TRIAD - Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for ASDs and The TEAM Center in Chattanooga through its Family Services Community Grant program.
It also provides funding to Vanderbilt University, which is part of the Autism Treatment Network, the nation's first network of hospitals and physicians aiming to improve treatment for individuals with autism. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at Vanderbilt University as well.
For more information about the 2011 Tennessee Walk Now for Autism Speaks, contact Kathy Streng at 615 238-1625 or kathy.streng@autismspeaks.org.