Broward Autism Speaks Walk Will Raise Awareness and Funds for Research, Family Services and Advocacy Saturday, September 24 at NSU in Davie

MIAMI, FL, July 14, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​The South Florida chapter of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, will hold its 2016 Broward Autism Speaks Walk event on Saturday, September 24 at NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library Green in Davie. Proceeds from Broward’s 16th annual walk will support Autism Speaks’ mission: To fund scientific research and family and adult services; and raise awareness, and advocate for the needs of people with autism and their families in Broward County and beyond.

Autism Speaks Walk is Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in nearly 60 communities across the United States, as well as in Canada. It is powered by volunteers, people with autism, families with loved ones on the spectrum, and local businesses and companies. This successful grassroots fundraising effort raises awareness of the autism community’s needs and generates vital funds for research, advocacy initiatives, and family and adult services.

"Broward's Autism Speaks Walk is helping fund vital services and innovative ideas that improve the quality of life for people in our community."

Scott Allman, 2016 Walk Co-Chair

The Broward event will include a two-mile walk with opening ceremonies emceed by radio personality Nathalie Rodriguez of 93.9MIA, followed by presentations by elected officials and performances by up and coming artists. Other highlights of the day include meet & greets with Miami’s sports teams’ mascots and cheerleaders, and the largest autism community resource fair, providing families with “one-stop shopping” for educational options, therapists, recreational programs, child-friendly activities, and other vital services. Families can enjoy great food from our sponsors and plenty of fun activities for children and adults on the spectrum. 

In recent years, Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in the Miami area. Through its Family Services Chapter Program, Autism Speaks has provided funding to innovative local service providers such as Mailman Segal Center at NSU, JAFCO, Picasso Einstein and YMCA of Broward.

“Broward’s Autism Speaks Walk is helping fund vital services and innovative ideas that improve the quality of life for people in our community,” said Scott Allman, 2016 Walk Co-Chair. Vice Chair JP Villanueva added, “We’re eager to support that crucial work by researchers, service providers, and medical experts, both close to home and all across the country.”

“We’re very proud of the work our members have helped Autism Speaks accomplish,” said Elysia Gallivan, Executive Director of Alpha Xi Delta, title sponsor of the Autism Speaks Walk. “This partnership is especially meaningful for our Sisters, families and friends as the number of people affected by autism continues to increase. We’re excited for the next phase of our partnership as we further commit ourselves to Autism Speaks’ signature fundraising and awareness event.”

Alpha Xi Delta has raised more than $4 million dollars for Autism Speaks, currently walk and volunteer at Autism Speaks Walk events nationwide and have lit more than 1,200 buildings blue as part of Autism Speaks’ Light it Up Blue campaign. Other sponsors include: Visionary Sponsor South Florida Ford, Nova Southeastern University, Aon Risk – Florida, Butterfly Effects, Florida Panthers, Baptist Health South Florida, Rand Marketing, MCNA Dental, Joe Hillman Plumbers and City Furniture.

For more information about the Broward Autism Speaks Walk, please visit: AutismSpeaksWalk.org/Broward or contact: 786-456-8919 / [email protected].

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 communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org. ​

About Alpha Xi Delta
Founded in 1893 at Lombard College, now Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois, Alpha Xi Delta inspires women to realize their potential by providing opportunities for Sisterhood, leadership, knowledge and service. The national women’s fraternity has more than 150,000 initiated members and chapters on 125 college campuses. For more information on Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, visit www.alphaxidelta.org.

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Source: Autism Speaks