Press Release
Contact: Hannah Hrencher
Phone: 316-634-8812
Email: hhrencher@heartspring.org
For Immediate Release
2017/02/01
Registration opens for Heartspring’s Autism CARE Walk
WICHITA, Kan. – Registration has opened for the 10th Annual Autism CARE Walk. The event will take place on April 29 at the Wichita Water Walk. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. It is completely free for participants to walk and show their support. Last year, more than 3,500 autism ambassadors took the steps towards greater autism awareness. It was the largest Autism CARE Walk fundraising effort yet, raising more than $104,000 for children who utilize Heartspring’s Autism Services program.
“We are so grateful to the walkers, sponsors and volunteers that participated last year and cannot wait for this year,” Special Events Coordinator Hannah Hrencher said. “We want to make this year’s Autism CARE Walk the biggest one yet.”
Proceeds from the walk benefit Heartspring’s Autism Services program. The program provides services and resources for individuals and families affected by a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. A diagnosis can create major changes for a family or individual. Autism behavioral services and therapies cost up to $60,000 a year, on average. Every one in 68 children is impacted by autism according to estimates from the CDC. That would mean there are more than 2,000 children living Sedgwick County who are impacted by autism.
“Every dollar, walker and donation matters to the families we serve,” Hrencher said. “Whether it’s allowing a child to join our social clubs, spend the summer at Camp SSTAR or receive the Applied Behavior Analysis services he or she needs, these programs make it possible for children to learn the valuable social skills to be successful.”
This is the Autism CARE Walk’s tenth anniversary. In addition to the main event, the CARE Walk will also have autism-friendly activities, vendor booth and food trucks. For more information or to register got to www.autismcarewalk.org.
Heartspring is a worldwide center for children with special needs. The residential school, outpatient pediatric services and Autism Services programs aim to help children of all ages succeed by gaining the skills necessary for a more independent lifestyle. More information at www.heartspring.org.
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