The South Florida Chapter of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, hosts its 2017 Autism Speaks Miami Walk event April 2 at the Doral Grand Central Park. Proceeds from the Miami annual walk support the mission of Autism Speaks to promote solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span of those individuals with autism and their families.
Autism Speaks Walk is the world’s largest fundraising event to enhance the lives of people with autism today and accelerates a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. The events are powered by the love of parents, grandparents, children, siblings, friends, relatives, and support providers for the special people in their lives living with autism. Funds raised help fuel innovative research and make connections to critical lifelong supports and services.
The Miami event will include a two-mile walk, followed by ceremonies which would include sponsors, community leaders – and plenty of entertainment and sensory-friendly children’s activities, food trucks, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue team games.
In recent years, Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in South Florida. Through its Local Grants Program, Autism Speaks has provided funding to innovative local service providers, such as Miami Children’s Museum. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at local research institutions, including University of Miami and Florida International University.
“The Miami Autism Speaks Walk is helping fund vital services and innovative solutions that improve quality of life for people with autism in our community,” said Hector Ponte, Area President for Wells Fargo. “We are eager to support crucial work by researchers, service providers, and medical experts, both close to home and all across the country.”
Alpha Xi Delta serves as the North American sponsor of Autism Speaks Walk. Since 2009, Alpha Xi Delta has raised more than $5 million dollars for Autism Speaks, and they currently participate at Autism Speaks Walk events nationwide. Alpha Xi Delta’s work not only generates vital funds for autism research, but also raises awareness for autism.
“We’re very proud of the work our members have helped Autism Speaks accomplish,” said Elysia Gallivan, Executive Director of Alpha Xi Delta. “This partnership is especially meaningful for our Sisters, families, and friends as the number of people affected by autism continues to increase.”
Local sponsors of the walk include: South Florida Ford, Sedano’s Supermarkets, IMUSA, City of Doral, Brightstar, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, MasTec, BDO, FedEx, FPL, DHL, Greenberg Traurig, Patricia & Robert Cambo, Cindy & Mike Moran, Baptist Health South Florida, SunTrust, Perry Ellis, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Register for the Autism Speaks Miami Walk at Act.AutismSpeaks.org/Miami or by contacting Angelica Ramcharran at 786-456-8921 or via e-mail at Angelica.Ramcharran@autismspeaks.org.
