Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism Events and News

Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Estero Community Park, Estero, FL

Sign up to walk!
Registration is now open for the 2008 Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism! We have 37 teams signed up already and over $11,000 in donations! Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to join your team, register as an individual, or start their own Walk Now for Autism team! It is easy- just click the link above and select the "Register" tab to get started. Once you have registered, you will receive a "Walker Welcome Packet" in the mail that will include materials and instructions to begin fundraising. Please feel free to call 866-441-6227 for support with the registration process.


Supporter Spotlight
Pam Cabrera & Tracey Sain
You could not have missed the Summit Church volunteers and walkers at last year's walk. Summit had over 400 participants at our walk and they raised nearly $30,000. Their participation was led by two energetic and enthusiastic women, Tracey Sain and Pam Cabrera. Tracey and Pam are both mothers of two. Pam's son Max, was recently diagnosed with autism. Pam and Tracey are our Faith-Based Outreach Chairs this year.

Pam and Tracey are contacting local churches and faith-based organizations to encourage their participation in our walk and to tell them about some upcoming free training to educate church volunteers about working with children with disabilities. They are also providing information to churches about how to include and support families of children with disabilities. If you would like your church or organization to be contacted, or if you would like more information, please contact us.


Upcoming Events


Summit Golf Tournament to Benefit Autism Speaks – August 23 – Old Corkscrew Golf Club. Call or email us for more information.

Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism Kickoffs – Lee and Collier Counties – September 6, Charlotte County – September 13

Autism Speaks Night at the Everblades October 18
We have a great night planned that includes the Autism Speaks logo on the player jerseys and a jersey auction benefiting Autism Speaks at the end of the game. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.


July Committee Meeting
Join us for our next committee meeting on Wednesday, July 16th from 6:30 - 8pm at Courtyard by Marriott I-75 and Gulf Coast Town Center 10050 Gulf Center Drive Fort Myers, FL 339913 239-332-4747. If you can't join us in person, you can call in via our conference line. For more information contact swflorida@autismspeaks.org or call (866) 441-6227.


Event Recaps

· Autism Speaks Night at Miracle Baseball. Thanks to all who joined us for a fun night at the Miracle on June 27. Thanks to the Miracle for the player meet and greet and all of the announcements and VIP treatment throughout the game.

· Dinosaur Playground "A Playdate for Autism!" On Saturday, June 28 Dinosaur Playground held a fun, family event that benefitted Autism Speaks and Revolution Autism. Thanks to Jessica and Ray for all their hard work and support. For a story and photos of the event go to: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/jun/28/fundraiser-autistic-children-brings-families-toget/

· Beef O'Brady's Dining Nights to Benefit Autism Speaks. Thanks to all who supported our Beef O'Brady's nights in June! We are waiting for a total, but expecting over $1,500 in donations from the event. We appreciate everyone at Beef O'Brady's and their support of our families and Autism Speaks.

Sponsorship deadline is nearing

We have already received commitments from many local businesses that will support our 2008 walk. Do you have a business or know someone that is interested in getting exposure at our event? We expect over 3,000 attendees this year and have multi-media support from local newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations. If you are interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Krista Rosado at 866-441-6227 or swflorida@autismspeaks.org.


Volunteer Opportunities
Open Volunteer Position: Local Science Ambassador
Local Science Ambassadors play an integral part in disseminating information to a wider audience by communicating Autism Speaks’ Science Mission to the general public:

Roles and Responsibilities:

Communicate AS science clinical programs, research resources, grants & initiatives effectively and passionately without personal bias or professional agenda.

Ensure that Autism Speaks Science programs are represented at local walks, conferences, and other events.

Stay up to date on Autism Speaks science news

Review the AS website for the latest science updates bimonthly

Requirements:

* Successful completion of Science Ambassador training provided by Autism Speaks
* Review the AS website twice a month for the latest science updates
* Subscribe to and review e-Speaks for latest science updates
* Must have access to internet
* Able to carry up to 40 pounds of materials

Please contact Krista Rosado at 866-441-6227 or krosado@autismspeaks.org for additional information.


Walk Day Volunteers Needed

Interested in joining our committee or volunteering for our walk? If you have even a few hours, you can make a difference. Please contact Krista Rosado at 866-441-6227 or swflorida@autismspeaks.org.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Dawn Itzkowitz and Elly Hagen Memoli
Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism Co-Chairs