A new study published October 5, 2009 in the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal Pediatrics found a parent-reported autism prevalence rate of one in every 91 American children, including one in 58 boys. 

For more information, click here.

 


2009 Fort Wayne Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a HUGE Success!!

On Saturday, September 12, 2009, approximately 1,300 people walked at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Fort Wayne, IN for the 4th Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks.  The walkers, on more than 85 teams, raised over $46,000 so far.

The 2009 Fort Wayne Walk Now for Autism Speaks enjoyed sunny skies and a warm breeze. The new walk venue, the Allen County Fairgrounds facilitated easy access to the Fort Wayne area, convenient parking and wonderful buildings for our opening ceremonies, resource fair & food area.

All our walkers and volunteers were treated to delicious hot pancakes from IHOP for breakfast. IHOP Autism Walk Team Fort Wayne not only generously donated breakfast, but also led the charge with one of the top fundraising teams for the second year in a row by utilizing a strong Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece campaign at their area stores.

The mobile unit from our media partner, US 93.3 FM was on-site to provide a live broadcast, music for the walkers and emceed the opening ceremonies. The national anthem was performed by Fort Wayne native country music artist Megan Mullins. After the opening ceremonies, Geoffrey the Giraffe of Toys "R" Us, the national sponsor of Walk Now for Autism Speaks cut the ceremonial ribbon to start our walk around the fairgrounds. Walkers were motivated along the walk route by the cheers of the members of the Elmhurst High School Cheerleading squad.

The Resource Fair was a great way to gather information about autism-related products and services from 35 vendors around the Fort Wayne area. Some of these vendors included Adaptive ABA, Allen County Sheriff's Department, Fort Financial, Autism Votes, SensoryCritters.com, IPFW, Parkview Hospital, Toys "R" Us, Northeast Indiana Autism Support Group, The Heath Food Shoppe, Camp Red Cedar, ACT, American Legion Riders, and more.

It was an amazing day to bring together the autism community in Fort Wayne and throughout northern Indiana to celebrate those affected by autism. 


The Fort Wayne Walk Now for Autism Speaks Grand Club
Our Fort Wayne Grand Club members are individual walkers who have raises $1,000 or more.  All our new members received a commemorative pin, VIP event parking, recognition on Walk Day along with other great benefits.  Are you close?  It's never too late to become a member of the Grand Club!

Congratulations current Grand Club Members 
               D. Scott Colclasure
         Jackie Runyan
       Kay Fawbush
     Paul Wilken
        Beverly Martin

Let's Keep The Fundraising Going
As you continue to receive more donations after the walk has past, please send them to:
Autism Speaks
Donations Department - Fort Wayne Walk
5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #2250
Los Angeles, CA 90036.
Be sure to include a donation form for each separate donation to ensure you and your team receive proper credit.  Over the next several weeks, we will be posting all donations received on Walk Day to the Fort Wayne Walk website.  Be sure to check your team page to see your team totals grow.  Donations will be accepted for this event throughout the remainder of 2009.