For Immediate Release Contact:
September 25, 2012 Christian Teja
(857) 231-6788
cteja@suffolkdowns.com
12TH ANNUAL GREATER BOSTON
WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS
THIS SUNDAY AT SUFFOLK DOWNS
EAST BOSTON, MA - Thousands of walkers will join together at Suffolk Downs on Sunday, September 30 to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families at the 12th Annual Greater Boston Walk Now For Autism Speaks.
Just as thoroughbred racehorses do from June to October at Suffolk Downs, walkers will gather in the paddock before proceeding onto the racetrack where they will make their way around the one-mile dirt surface. The event also includes a community resource fair and various forms of family entertainment, including live music, games and other activities for kids.
All proceeds from the event benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy organization. The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, raising more than $28.5 million alone in 2011 in 85 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
“Thanks to tremendous community support and the work of our wonderful volunteers, our Walk Now for Autism Speaks event has grown each year, and we expect to expand the ranks of both walkers and donors in 2012,” said Melissa Voto, 2012 Chair of the Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism Speaks. “In addition to raising funds and awareness, the Walk is a chance for families to come together and enjoy a day of laughter, hope and community. Working together, we are making great strides toward improving the lives of people with autism and their families.”
Suffolk Downs has hosted the Greater Boston walk since 2007.
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum - a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.
-30-
Attached photo from previous year's event
<<Autism Walk - rooftop view.JPG>> <<Walk Now for Autism at Suffolk Downs on Sunday Sept 30.doc>>
