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DC Walk Now Attracts 7,500 Walkers
By Richard | November 14, 2008
7,500 Walkers Raise $818,000 at D.C. Walk Now for Autism
The 8th annual D.C. Walk Now for Autism took place on Saturday, Nov. 8 at The National Mall, as 7,500 walkers raised $818,000. The Walk began at the foot of the Washington National Monument, proceeded past the White House, and stopped briefly in front of the Lincoln Memorial where huge message boards were set up for President-Elect Obama. The Walk route continued along the Reflecting Pool. The 2008 Walk experienced a 22 percent increase in team participation over last year’s event, boasting walkers on almost 650 teams.
Autism Speaks’ President Mark Roithmayr served as the event’s keynote speaker. He announced the winner of the National Capital Area chapter’s essay contest, on the topic “Why I Walk for my Brother or Sister.” 11-year-old Sofia McDaniel won a Sony Xbox 360, generously donated by the Brubaker Family and the Microsoft Federal Region Team. In her award-winning essay, Sofia wrote,
The scenic Walk route took walkers around the National Monument and the Reflecting Pool.
Highlights from the D.C. Walk Now for Autism
“My two siblings mean the world to me, and I believe that ‘one small act of kindness’ can change someone’s life. So that is why I walk with my siblings - not to act like Ghandi, but to support them in any way possible … ”
Over 107 teams raised over $1,000 each as of Walk day, qualifying them for entry in the Grand Club drawing, which was won by Team Rivas. Their prize was a family four-pack of tickets to the opening night performance of the stage production of “The Wizard of Oz” at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Families enjoyed performances by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus’ “Fitness Challenge” clown troupe, which included some young Walk participants in its stage performance, and the all-female percussion group Batala.
The Walk hosted a resource fair, which showcased 40 area service providers, vendors and support groups, including national Walk sponsor Toys”R”Us, which featured its Top Ten Toys for special needs children. Local ASA chapters and the YMCA handed out information about programs for people with special needs.
More than 25 generous sponsors contributed to the success of the D.C. Walk Now for Autism, especially Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Meltzer Group and Lindsay Automotive Group. The Meltzer Group not only contributed $15,000, but also had a booth on savings strategies for families with a special needs child. Lindsay Automotive Group also contributed $15,000 and fielded a corporate Walk team. The Garchik Family Foundation was the top corporate sponsor and the incredible “Jack Garchik’s Crew,” led by Walk Co-Chair Marla Garchik, was the D.C. Walk’s top team. Many thanks to first-time Walk Chairs Shari Berger and Marla Garchik for making the D.C. Walk such a success.
Visit the D.C. Walk page or go to the Walk Now for Autism site to find a Walk in your area.