The torrential rains throughout Minnesota a few days before the Walk threatened to close roads and flood neighboring communities. But on Saturday, September 25th, 2,500 participants saw the clouds part to sunny skies just as the Walk ribbon was cut by Toys’R’Us mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe. The Minnesota Walk Now for Autism Speaks held at Canterbury Park in Shakopee has raised $147,000 to date with more donations coming in daily!!
Popular KTIS 98.5 FM morning radio personalities, David & Pam emceed the Walk providing all our participants with information about autism with a touch of humor and fun.
There was no shortage of entertainment for walkers of all ages, including members of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, Minnesota Swarm Dance Team Members, In the Company of Kids performing children’s shows, music and DJ services performed by Kidz Dance, wonderful music provided by The Neighborhood Trio and Mela Kamin singing the National Anthem. An army of Alpha Xi Delta members from surrounding chapters and alumni groups enjoyed a great day of tailgate activities, volunteering and participating in the Walk.
Team DoDo members show off their team shirts with pride!
Landscape Structures, our 2010 Minnesota Corporate Visionary Sponsor, had a resource vendor table with a twenty foot, five-panel Sensory Wall built specifically for children on the autism spectrum to explore the sensory-related amenities and stations. There were fifty-two Resource Fair vendors representing a sample of all the supportive organizations and service providers around the Twin Cities area, including Autism Advocacy and Law Center, Autism Society of Minnesota, Dentistry for Children, The Holland Center, The Lovaas Institute – Midwest, Partners In Excellence, SunnyDays Therapy and more.
Thank you to the entire Minnesota Walk Committee led by our Walk Chair, Linda Kirby. The Walk was a great success due in no small part to your commitment and dedication to supporting our mission: to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.
For more information about the Walk, please visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/AutismSpeaks.Minnesota.
Walkers get a photo with members of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleading Squad
