10,000 Participants Raise $460,000
at Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism
at Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism
The 8th Annual Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism took place on Sunday, February 10 at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Fla. Over 10,000 walkers enjoyed a stroll along the beach in perfect weather, raising over $460,000. Nearly 350 teams participated, representing a 40% increase over 2007.
Geoffrey the Giraffe represented Toys"R"Us, a national sponsor of Walk Now for Autism, by greeting the crowd. Telemundo TV personalities Maria Celeste and Jose Diaz Balart emceed the event and introduced Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright, who spoke about the insurance bill initiative and the upcoming Autism Speaks Week in South Florida. Also on stage to welcome the walkers were walk chairs Lola Reyes and Patricia Menendez-Cambo. Students from Gloria Floyd Elementary School and The West Lab Girl Scouts performed the National Anthem. Entertainment was provided by Gary Kazoo, who deejayed the event, and the Hip Hop Kidz Dance Troop.
Geoffrey the Giraffe represented Toys"R"Us, a national sponsor of Walk Now for Autism, by greeting the crowd. Telemundo TV personalities Maria Celeste and Jose Diaz Balart emceed the event and introduced Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright, who spoke about the insurance bill initiative and the upcoming Autism Speaks Week in South Florida. Also on stage to welcome the walkers were walk chairs Lola Reyes and Patricia Menendez-Cambo. Students from Gloria Floyd Elementary School and The West Lab Girl Scouts performed the National Anthem. Entertainment was provided by Gary Kazoo, who deejayed the event, and the Hip Hop Kidz Dance Troop.
Autism Speaks co-founder Suzanne Wright signs a petition at the Autism Votes booth
Highlights from the Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~1 minute)
(YouTube video, ~1 minute)
The resource fair showcased twelve booths, including Nutricia (a national sponsor that distributed product samples), The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and The Carrie Brazer Center for Autism and Alternative Approaches. Thanks to Baptist Health Systems for providing tremendous in-kind support, including a first aid tent, as well as for fielding a 200 person walk team. Additional thanks to the Miami-Dade County Commissioners for absorbing nearly $25,000 in fees, and to all the in-kind food sponsors for their contributions. More than ten other businesses, media partners and individuals who served as sponsors, helped make the event a success.
Visit the Miami-Dade walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
Visit the Miami-Dade walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.
From L to R: Walk Committee members: Ana Heidi Gilmour, Sharon Williams-Lis, Myriam Pabon, Lourdes Miranda,
Suzanne Wright, Bob Wright,
Roy Kelly, Lola Reyes and
Patricia Menendez-Cambo.
Suzanne Wright, Bob Wright,
Roy Kelly, Lola Reyes and
Patricia Menendez-Cambo.
Emcees Maria Celeste and Jose Diaz Balart (Telemundo) with Autism Speaks co-founder Suzanne Wright
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