Nantucket Walk Chairs Suzanne and Bob Wright assist their grandchildren Mattias Hildebrand and Morgan and Maisie Wright in cutting the ribbon to mark the start of the walk while members of the Nantucket Whalers sports teams look on
On Saturday, August 21, 2010 nearly 1,000 people turned out at Jetties Beach for the fourth annual Nantucket Walk Now for Autism Speaks. The walkers, on over 45 teams, raised over $340,000 in support of Autism Speaks’ initiatives.
Kate Brosnan, Plum TV Host and Walk day Emcee, welcomed walkers to the fourth annual event. The Walk day festivities kicked off with a wonderful musical performance from the Nantucket Dreamland Foundation Campers, who sang “Put on a Happy Face,” and remarks by Jenny Garneau, Chair of the Nantucket School Committee. Massachusetts State Representatives Tim Madden (D-Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket District) and Barbara L’Italien (D- Andover) addressed the crowd and spoke about the recently passed Massachusetts autism insurance reform legislation- they then presented Nantucket Resource Center Director, Kim Horyn, with a copy of the bill recently signed by Mass. Governor Deval Patrick. Olivia Esposito followed the talk with an inspirational song, “Suddenly Seymour,” before Autism Speaks Founders, Suzanne and Bob Wright, took the stage with their grandchildren to highlight “reasons why we walk”. In a touching moment, Mattias Hildebrand and Morgan and Maisie Wright presented their grandparents with the proceeds from their lemonade stand fundraising efforts on behalf of their brother and cousin, Christian. Suzanne Wright then invited members of the 2010 Nantucket Whalers sports teams to officially begin the Walk with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
The Walk organizers would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Chairs, Bob and Suzanne Wright, and the Co-Chairs: Sydney Fee Barsanti, Stephen and Jill Karp, Ozzie Medeiros and Ed Schmidt, Maureen Orth and Susan and Bill Vareschi for their dedication to the success of the Nantucket Walk. Special thanks to Diamond Sponsors Suzanne and Bob Wright, The Cranberry Cup Nantucket, Stephen and Jill Karp, Maureen Orth, and Susan and Bill Vareschi, and to Platinum Sponsors Carol and Harold Baxter, Nantucket Golf Club, Wendy and Eric Schmidt and Roger and Kathy Penske.
Fundraising totals are “to-date” – teams are still raising money and the site is still accepting donations.
View photos on the Nantucket Walk Now for Autism Speaks Facebook page.
