Autism Walk Slated For This Weekend in Long Branch

Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced that the 7th annual NJ Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Great Lawn in Long Branch.

All event proceeds will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, 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 in Ocean and Monmouth counties and beyond. Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 88 children, 1 in 49 in New Jersey, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a unique fundraising event that offers a safe and fun day for families impacted by autism. Walk check-in opens at 10 a.m.

Entertainment including arts and crafts, a moon bounce, fun bus and game truck and Community Resource Fair featuring local autism service providers starts at 10 a.m. The 1.5-mile walk on the boardwalk will start at  noon. The Walk will be emceed by Matt Ryan from 94.3 The Point.

The 3rd annual NJ Shore 5K Run Now for Autism Speaks will take place before the Walk on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Great Lawn in Long Branch, NJ. Run check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. The 5K Run will start at 8:30 a.m.

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  to support autism research, awareness and advocacy. Last year’s NJ Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks attracted more than 3,500 walkers and raised over $343,000.

“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 Beth Sarfaty, NJ Shore Walk Co-Chair. “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.”

For the sixth straight year, Toys"R"Us® and Babies"R"Us® will proudly serve as the North American sponsors of Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Additional sponsors include Lester Glenn Hyundai, Rothstein Kass and Company, Xerox, PNC Bank and media sponsors 94.3 The Point and Shore Creative Group.

For more information about the 2012 NJ Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks or 5K Run, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org or contact the NJ Autism Speaks office at 609-228-7332 or NJShore@autismspeaks.org.