On December 6, 2015 over 8,500 participants headed to Angel Stadium in Anaheim to participate in Walk Now for Autism Speaks, which helped raise over $218,737 for Autism research. Hosted by ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor Phillip Palmer, this fun-filled, family-friendly event featured a large autism resource fair, kid-friendly activities and live performances by popular ‘80s bands. Speakers included Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait and Assemblywoman Young Kim and performers included Missing Persons, Flashback Heart Attack, Dramarama frontman John Easdale and Diane & The Deductibles.
Walkers were able to meet-and-greet with ABC 7 and JACK FM on-air talent, 501st Legion Star Wars characters, Smokey the Bear, Ronald McDonald, and the team mascots from LA Sparks and LA Galaxy. Also present at the walk was JACK FM’s Bustache and the Farmers Insurance Catastrophe Bus.
Walk Now for Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks’ signature fundraising and awareness event. This successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research, but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder. For more information about the walk, go to walknowforautismspeaks.org/orangecounty.
