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Sixth Annual Hudson Valley Autism Walk and Awareness Fair a Grand Success
The sixth Annual Hudson Valley Autism Walk and Awareness Fair, held on Sunday, April 29, 2007, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, raised more than $125,000, with more than 3,700 participants on hand to support the event. "The families of the Hudson Valley Region pulled together on a cold, cloudy day to raise support with their loved ones living with Autism," said Walk Chairperson Karen Kosack. "The community really pulled through for another phenomenal event, and the Hudson Valley Autism Walk Committee is very appreciative of the support and turnout. This has been our biggest and most exciting walk yet."
The goal of the annual walk is to educate parents and teachers; help spread the awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Hudson Valley community; raise funds for local respite, recreation and educational programs, including a small portion for research of this affliction which has no known cause or cure; and support families recently receiving the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, to show they are not alone.
Walkers included several family teams, school teams and individuals, as well as corporate teams. Also, 45 resource booths on Autism and related services were available to the public.
"Every year our extended family grows larger, as it is estimated that every 20 minutes a new family in the United States learns a loved one has Autism Spectrum Disorder. I see this as reaching epidemic levels," said Kosack. "We need to stand firmly as a community to continue to raise autism awareness for those individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and to educate those around us so that the community will embrace our loved ones affected by this disorder. Together, with community residents of the Hudson Valley and the strong and hard-working Walk committee members, we will be sure our voice is heard so we can make a difference. Thank you to all our new and returning families and sponsors who supported this great event!"
The Autism Directory Service and the Hudson Valley Autism Society hopes to see all participants again next year, when the walk will be held at Dutchess County Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 27, 2007. Please visit www.walkforautism.com for more information, and to learn more of upcoming events in the Hudson Valley region.
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