Despite Sizzling Temperature, 5,000 Participants Joined Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism
Even with the temperature soaring above 90 degrees, 5,000 people walked at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain, Conn. on Sunday, June 8, in the 6th annual Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism, representing a 25% growth in participation over last year's event. The walkers, on nearly 220 teams, raised over $380,000. The Walk is expected to raise $500,000.
For the third year, Andrew Pergam from NBC30 served as the Walk's emcee. During the opening ceremonies, Congressman Christopher Murphy (D – CT) presented Walk Co-chair Shannon Knall with a congressional certificate of recognition for her service to the autism community. Latanya Farrell performed the national anthem, which was interpreted in sign language by Erin O'Brien. Families enjoyed musical performances by Music Time with Carrie Davis and David Verdisci of The Sunshine Road, and appearances by Toys”R”Us' Geoffrey and the mascots from the New Britain Rock Cats. Local radio and television stations broadcast live from the Walk, including River 105.9, NBC30 and News Channel 8.
For the third year, Andrew Pergam from NBC30 served as the Walk's emcee. During the opening ceremonies, Congressman Christopher Murphy (D – CT) presented Walk Co-chair Shannon Knall with a congressional certificate of recognition for her service to the autism community. Latanya Farrell performed the national anthem, which was interpreted in sign language by Erin O'Brien. Families enjoyed musical performances by Music Time with Carrie Davis and David Verdisci of The Sunshine Road, and appearances by Toys”R”Us' Geoffrey and the mascots from the New Britain Rock Cats. Local radio and television stations broadcast live from the Walk, including River 105.9, NBC30 and News Channel 8.
Congressman Christopher Murphy presents Walk Co-chair Shannon Knall with a congressional certificate of recognition for her service to the autism community. Shannon has served as Walk Chair since 2006 and is the community advocacy chair for Greater Hartford.
Highlights from the Greater Hartford
Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~1 minute)
Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~1 minute)
The resource fair showcased 20 organizations and companies, including North Star Foundation, Autism Society of Connecticut, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, University of Connecticut Research and Clinical Services and MetDESK.
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism including NBC30, Lake Compounce, River 105.9, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Mass Printing & Forms, Coca-Cola, Tau Kappa Epsilon, the New Britain Rock Cats, Otis Elevator Company, The Lila Sullivan Foundation, People's United Bank, and Brew Ha Ha at City Scenes. Participants enjoyed snacks donated by Whole Foods, Puzzle Pretzels from The Bachman Company, beverages from Coca-Cola, Crystal Rock Water and The New Britain Rock Cats, and a cooling station set up by The New Britain Emergency Medical Service. Special thanks to returning Walk Chairs Shannon Knall and Noreen Simmons for making the 3rd annual Greater Hartford Walk such a success.
Visit the Greater Hartford Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism including NBC30, Lake Compounce, River 105.9, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Mass Printing & Forms, Coca-Cola, Tau Kappa Epsilon, the New Britain Rock Cats, Otis Elevator Company, The Lila Sullivan Foundation, People's United Bank, and Brew Ha Ha at City Scenes. Participants enjoyed snacks donated by Whole Foods, Puzzle Pretzels from The Bachman Company, beverages from Coca-Cola, Crystal Rock Water and The New Britain Rock Cats, and a cooling station set up by The New Britain Emergency Medical Service. Special thanks to returning Walk Chairs Shannon Knall and Noreen Simmons for making the 3rd annual Greater Hartford Walk such a success.
Visit the Greater Hartford Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Walk Chairs Shannon Knall and Noreen Simmons are joined by their husbands Jack and Weller, Congressman Christopher Murphy, Connecticut State Senator David Cappiello, New Britain Rock Cats mascots and Geoffrey for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Team Jake & Company crosses the start line as the New Britain High School Cheerleaders and Geoffrey look on.
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