CHICAGO, IL — Autism Speaks, North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today announced that the 8th annual Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on Saturday, May 21st at Soldier Field. 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 Chicago and beyond. Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 110 children, including 1 in 70 boys, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
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{Grammy Award Winner And Co-Founder of Survivor Jim Peterik And Recording Artist Andrew Salgado Will be Performing At the 8th Annual Walk Now For Autism Speaks At Soldier Field On May 21st 2011}
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 Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks attracted more than 15,000 walkers, 500 volunteers and raised over $1.45 million.
Funds raised through the Walk allow Autism Speaks to make a significant impact in the Chicagoland area. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at the University of Chicago, UIC and Northwestern. Local agencies, including two this year: HAVE Dreams and Aspiritech, have received Autism Speaks' community grants to expand their work and build capacity.
In addition, Autism Speaks conducts outreach through the Community Ambassador program, training over 150 volunteers to introduce the Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit for newly diagnosed families to doctors, teachers and other professionals. The chapter has also worked with Chicago Public Schools, introducing and training teachers and school personnel on the use of the Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit.
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. Our family-friendly event features our sponsor expo and one of a kind after party, complete with music, petting zoo and bounce houses. Special main stage guests include Andrew Salgado and Jim Peterik, from Chicago's own, Ides of March. Both will perform during opening ceremonies.
"Thanks to tremendous community support and the work of our wonderful volunteers, our Walk Now for Autism Speaks event has grown each year, and we expect to expand the ranks of both walkers and donors in 2011," said Tricia Brouwers, Walk Co-Chair. "In addition to raising funds and awareness, the Walk is a chance for families to come together and enjoy a day of laughter, hope and community. Working together, we are making great strides toward improving the lives of people with autism and their families."
For the fifth straight year, Toys"R"Us® and Babies"R"Us® will proudly serve as the North American sponsors of Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Additional sponsors include Lord & Taylor, Chicago Trading Company, Chicago Blackhawks Charities, Campbell for Kids Foundation, CME Group and Fifth Third Bank. Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us will host a tented area at The Walk, serving as home base for the company's mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe. Attendees are welcome to stop by and sign their children up for Geoffrey's Birthday Club. They can also pick-up the "Ten Toys That Speak to Autism" handout and see this selection of everyday toys that can help build skills of children with autism, created in collaboration with Autism Speaks.
.For more information about the 2011 Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks, please visit click headline or go to: http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=443197
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