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.
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Congratulations Minnesota!
Thank you for joining the 2009 Minnesota Walk Now for Autism Speaks! On Saturday, September 26th, approximately 2,500 people experienced the power of unity and celebrated the wonderful people in their lives affected by autism. The Minnesota Walk Now for Autism Speaks was a HUGE success! Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins, friends, children, clinicians and teachers came together to raise over $144,000 so far. These funds will continue Autism Speaks work in science, family services, advocacy and awareness.
Click HERE to view more Minnesota Walk Day Photos....
Let's keep the fundraising going...
As you continue to receive more donations, please send them to:
Autism Speaks
Donations Department - Minnesota Walk
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 Minnesota 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.
Minnesota Walk Day Highlights...
The 3rd Annual Minnesota Walk Day enjoyed sunny skies and warm breezes throughout Canterbury Park. 
Some special guests included the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, the Southwest All Star's Cheer Team, Toys "R" Us Geoffrey the Giraffe, Minnesota Wild "Nordy" mascot, Nickelodeon's Backyardigans "Tyrone", Mela Kamin - Christian Singer/Songwriter, Kate's Puppetry & Arts, Tiny Acorn Portraits, Greg Kamin Photography, In The Company of Kids Creative Arts Center
Thank you to our Walk Emcees - David and Pam from 98.5 KTIS, music and DJ services by Howie from Kidsdance, Team Target for a "red-shirt army" of walk day volunteers, and thanks to all those who contributed goods and services to the walk including Valley Natural Foods, Fresh Meadow Bakery, Sam's Club, Big Apple Bagel, Applewood Orchard, Premium Waters, Domino's Pizza, Caribou Coffee, MOMS Club of Eagan West and Dentistry for Children and Adolescence.
The Resource Fair was a great way to gather information about autism-related products and services from 41 vendors around the Twin Cities area. Some of these vendors included Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us, Autism Votes, Aspire Chiropractic, Courage Center, Everyday Autism Jewelry, Learning Rx/Frieder Learning Inc., Lovaas Institute Midwest, Partners in Pediatrics, Tailor Made Nutrition and more.
It was an amazing day to bring together the autism community in Minnesota to celebrate those affected by autism.
The 2009 Minnesota Grand Club
Thank you to all our new 2009 Minnesota Grand Club members, who have raised $1,000 or more to date. These walkers are a huge part of the success of our fundraising event!
Special thanks to Dr. Greg McDonnell of Southwest Chiropractic for providing massages and to Mike & Karen Beadles for volunteering as the Grand Club butler and attendant.
We hope that all our Grand Club members enjoyed the special walk day treats.
Minnesota Walk Grand Club Members
Shelly Fanning David VanEngelenhoven Amy Jo Stark Bridget Anderson Jennifer Larson Carie Syverson Julie Blackmore Kazumi Kataoka Beth VanEngelenhoven Jill Sandau Karen Cierzan Scott Lavold Amber Ehoff Trisa Scott Luke Hillerson Jessica Lillesve Peggy Swayze Laura Archbold Angie Bond Andrea Chaffee Tiffany Brenna Carter Olson Laura Lafrenz
Special Thanks To Volunteers, Sponsors & Supporters
Special thanks to our 2009 Minnesota Walk committee members for their tireless efforts to make this such a wonderful event.
Special gratitude also goes out to all the walk day volunteers that made this event possible.
Thank you all for an awesome Walk!