Autism Speaks, 10,000 Participants Raise Over $900,000 at Westchester Fairfield Walk Now for Autism

10,000 Participants Raise Over $900,000 at Westchester/Fairfield Walk Now for Autism

Despite unseasonably hot weather, 10,000 people walked at Manhattanville College in Purchase N.Y. on Sunday, June 8, for the 7th annual Westchester/Fairfield Walk Now for Autism, representing a 25% growth in participation over last year's event. The walkers, on more than 210 teams, raised over $900,000. The Walk is expected to surpass the million dollar mark.

David Gortz, whose company Letterman Gortz sponsored the walk, and who has been involved with the walk since its inaugural year when he was a Walk co-chair, served as the event's emcee. Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT), a supporter of the Walk for a number of years, thanked the walkers for their participation. Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano welcomed the walkers on behalf of the County. Sara Costigan, a 14 year old with autism, sang the national anthem. Additionally, Debra Alt and Rose Arezzini both performed songs that they

Paul Morris of team Paulie's Promise and Congressman Christopher Shays (R - CT) - Paul attends the College Internship Program at the Berkshire Center in Massachusetts.

Highlights from the Westchester/Fairfield
Walk Now for Autism
(YouTube video, ~1 minute)

wrote; Debra sang “Voice for Sam” and Rose, who has a brother with autism, sang “My Brother.”

The resource fair showcased 25 organizations and companies which offered child-friendly activities and information for parents. Some of the participants included Arts for Healing, Inc., Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), JCC of Mid-Westchester (SibShop), Mount Sinai Family Studies Research Center, R.O.P.E. Club (Reaching Out to Provide Enrichment), SPARC, Inc. (Special Program and Resource Connection), and First Family of CT, Inc.

A number of generous sponsors contributed to the success of the Westchester/Fairfield Walk Now for Autism. National Walk Sponsor Toys“R”Us displayed the “10 Toys that Speak to Autism” and Nutricia offered product samples. The Elizabeth and Andrew Ward Foundation served as a Platinum Sponsor. Gold Sponsors included The Rebecca School (which also provided water for walkers) and AMDi. Letterman Gortz Company was the Bronze Sponsor and ING Direct was a Community Investor. Minute Rice and Nature Made offered samples for walkers to enjoy. PepsiCo, as the event refreshment sponsor, provided over 24,000 bottled beverages and more than 20,000 bags of chips and granola. PepsiCo also fielded a 31-member corporate walk team which has raised over $15,750. Special thanks to returning Walk Chairs Alison Singer, Carol Christiaanse and Nancy McCarthy for making the 7th annual Westchester/Fairfield Walk such a success.

Visit the Westchester/Fairfield Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a walk in your area.

Bill Christiaanse, Matt Christiaanse, Walk co-chair Carol Christiaanse and Congressman Chris Shays (R-CT )

Andrea's Animal Crackers walks through the balloon arch.

A colorful member of Emily's
All-Stars leads the team along the walk route.

Matthew Diaz poses with members of his team, Matthew's Miracles.

Paul Morris is flanked by his brothers Jesse and Tyler and friends, who comprise Paulie's Promise.

Toys "R"Us' Geoffrey joins Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano, Paul Morris, Manhattanville President Berman, Alison and Lauren Singer and Congressman Christopher Shays to cut the ceremonial ribbon.