WE DID IT!
The Southwest Missouri community has raised
$56,000 so far with more coming in!
September 12th was a truly phenomenal day, bringing together over 600 people from the entire Southwest Missouri area including Buffalo, Bolivar, Nixa, Ozark, Fort Leonard Wood, West Plains, Springfield, and many more areas. All in support of our families and to enjoy a day filled with acceptance, understanding, and community. We cannot thank enough all of our volunteers, committee members, sponsors, resource fair providers, media partners, donors, and participants. We could not bring this type of autism awareness without your trailblazing efforts into our communities.
New Autism Prevalence Study
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.
The day featured entertainment ranging from a bounce house, facepainting, temporary tattoos, the musical stylings of Bruce Blakeslee, a performance by The Springfield Little Theater, to much more. Many thanks to our Walk Day emcees, Joe and Christine Daues of KSPR (and their two little ones in attendance). The autism resource fair included providers from all across the region, ready to answer any questions we had. Special appearances were made by Geoffrey the Giraffe from Toys and Babies 'R' Us, as well as Batman himself. Because of our presence in the community, we were proud to welcome City Councilmember Doug Burlison who read a proclamation signed by the Mayor of Springfield, James O'Neal, citing September 12, 2009 to be World Autism Day in the City of Springfield.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Burrell Autism Center, KRAFT Cares, Ozark Therapy Institute, Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute, Custom Manufacturing and Polishing, Inc, Conco Companies, and Grime Scrubbers.
Way to go West Plains Teams!
Walkers and Walk supporters alike will joined together Saturday, September 19th at the West Plains Civic Center for the West Plains Community Team Walk Event. The event featured carnival rides, food, and entertainment galore. All of the West Plains supporters raised over $8,000, with more still coming in! What an amazing feat. Make sure to check back for pictures from the event, coming soon.
Would you like to see photos from Walk Day?
We've got your photos - to view them, click here.
Not enough photos for you? Do you have ones you're proud of and would like to share?
Make sure to send them to Springfield@autismspeaks.org so we may upload them with our other stash of photos!
Become a Fan - Visit the Southwest Missouri Walk Now for Autism Facebook Page!
If not, become a fan and raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders, share your pictures and fundraising stories. The page is updated with local events and news stories that are important to families in Southwest Missouri. Invite all your friends to become fans too!
Let's send in those donations!
For those of you that have yet to submit all your donations please be sure to mail them as soon as possible. Please mail them to the address below and include your Offline Donation Form that can be printed from your Personal Page so that donations are credited to you.
Autism Speaks
Donations Department
5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Introducing ...The Grand Club!
Each participant to raise more than $1000 will automatically become a member of the 2009 Grand Club! Members' benefits include a Commemorative Grand Club pin as well as an opportunity to be recognized on stage during pre-walk ceremonies. Encourage all of your team members to reach a personal/individual fundraising goal of $1,000.
CONGRATULATIONS to our Grand Club Members
Michael Woodring
Rick Lemings
Marsha Smith
Karin Blair
Tammy Hicks
Nicholas McClanahan
Sandy Vestal
Will you be next? See your name here!
Here is how YOU can raise $1,000 in 3 Weeks or less to get your name listed here!
Special thanks to our 2009 Walk Planning Committee: Amy Burnett, Cynthia Burrington, Dawn Rethman, Doug Phillips, Heather Woodring, James and Nikki Giles, Jason Holcomb, Jim and Debbie McManis, Joel Doepker, Linda Barger, Mary Hines, Kerra Kutz, and Nancy Stewart.