Autism Speaks... and Southern New England is listening!

On Sunday, September 13th - on a beautiful day oceanside in Bristol, RI - more than 3,000 participants joined together for the 2009 Southern New England Walk Now for Autism Speaks.  So far we have raised more than $150,000 for research, advocacy and family services.

The donations brought to the event should appear on the Walk website within the next two weeks.  And we continue to fundraise - so let's watch those totals climb!

Visit this link to see some wonderful photos of the event. You can save photos of your team, family, etc.!

THANK YOU to all of the participants, sponsors and volunteers of the event. We want to especially thank the Walk Planning Committee who worked very hard all year to make this event happen and run smoothly! 

Stay tuned for news of our Awards Reception where you can meet these wonderful committee members and perhaps receive an award for your fundraising efforts!  Read on to see how you can continue to raise funds!

Thank you also for continuing to raise awareness and funds for Autism Speaks by following up with any outstanding pledges you may have.  Donations received by 12/31/2009 will be credited to the 2009 Southern New England Walk Now for Autism, to help us reach and exceed our goal of $234,000. 

If You Missed the Walk:

If you were unable to attend the Walk, and you have not yet sent in donations you collected - or would like to make a personal donation - here is the information you will need: 

Please send your donations to:

Autism Speaks/ Southern New England
Walk Donations Department
5455 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2250
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Please make checks payable to Autism Speaks and remember to attach a donation form to each check, so that we may properly credit you for all of your hard work.

Again, we continue our fundraising efforts for this year?s walk through December 31st! 

Did you find yourself running out of time to do those extra fundraising ideas?  Do them now!  Make them an annual tradition.  Host a dinner and charge $10 a head, throw a movie night at home with friends and family and tell folks to drop their donations at the door.  Continue your email and letter writing campaigns and add pictures from the Walk.  Talk to a local restaurant about a wine tasting evening where a portion of the proceeds benefit your Walk team.  Clean out your attic or basement and hold a garage sale individually or with your neighbors.  The ideas for wrap-around events are endless. 

To find more ideas about how you can fundraise post-walk, visit the Fundraising Tools link on the Walk Website.  We are also here to help and support you and your efforts. 

Thinking Ahead:

Q:  Did you enjoy your experience at the Southern New England Walk Now for Autism Speaks? Do you have suggestions on how to make the Walk better?  
A:  Fill out this Survey and share your comments with us!  

Q:  Do you have ideas on how to increase our community outreach efforts in RI?   Do you just want to be a part of the Community Leadership and Walk Planning team? 
A:  Then consider joining the 2010 Southern New England Walk Now for Autism Speaks Community Leadership and Walk Planning Committee.  Meetings are held monthly in various locations and conference calls are also held.   We are looking to add new Committee Members in 2010 and grow this Walk to its fullest potential.  For more information about being a part of the committee, contact us at mgaeta@autismspeaks.org.