The 2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks was held September 10th at Jordan Valley Park in Springfield, Missouri. We had a great turn out, with over 1200 people in attendance. That is about 300 more than last year. We also had more teams sign up and more publicity. KTTS did an awesome job as our radio sponsor and we also had KY3 do a community interest story on their nightly news, thanks to Ashley Reynolds. And Jack Henry and Associates blew us away with their donation of over $13,000 from their annual golf tournament. THANK YOU!!!
Our goal was to raise $88,000. Because of the economy and perhaps the generous hearts towards the Joplin tornado, we don't think we will hit goal, but never the less we had a great day and a great turn out. As of today we think our total is somewhere around $73,000.
Jason was one of the co-chairs for the walk this year and I helped with the food donation, pick-up and walk day set-up. We love helping with this organization. Autism Speaks is funding research to try to find a cure for the autism spectrum disorders. They also fund community grants, family services and awesome kits that put a plan in the hands of devastated parents.
Our team, Zion's Tribe, set a goal this year of $1000. This is a low goal, compared to last years $4300, but because of our crazy summer of travelling with Jason and family vacations we just didn't have enough time to put into our fundraising. I think our total is going to be around $1500 this year though. That will provide a lot of 100 day kits and perhaps a small autism cares grant for victims of the tornado or another natural disaster.
If you would still like to give, donations are still being accepted through December.
Our Fundraising site is : www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/swmissouri/taraholcomb
Thank you so much for all your prayers for Zion and for supporting us every year in this endeavor.
