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NEWS
More than 500 attend autism walk
More than 500 people attended the 8th annual Walk for Autism on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at Ritter Park.
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HUNTINGTON -- A record-breaking number of supporters walked, ran and biked for autism Saturday at Ritter Park.
More than 500 people attended the 8th annual Walk for Autism, which included a 5K walk, 25-mile bicycle tour and 5K competitive run. Funds raised will be divided among Autism Services Center, the Huntington Area Autism Society and the Autism Training Center at Marshall University.
"We have had a phenomenal turnout," said Elaine Harvey, president of the Huntington Area Autism Society.
Harvey said the event continues to grow and all of the funds raised support local programs.
People traveled from all over to attend the event with families, friends and even pets.
Tiffany Davis came from Clarksburg, W.Va., this weekend to attend the walk for the first time. Originally from Huntington, Davis met up with family for the event.
"My nephew was diagnosed with autism recently so we came down to support him," she said.
Davis said the community is blessed to have so many people rallying for individuals with autism.
"I really hope they can use some of the money they've raised to help these kids and these adults," she said. "They really need it. They need support and love."
Richard Crank of Barboursville was also attending the event for the first time and was running in the 5K. He said he was happy to be able to spend time with friends, family and members of Highlawn Baptist Church while supporting a good cause.
"It's good for people to come out," he said.
Barbara Becker-Cottrill, executive director of the Autism Training Center at Marshall University, said the commitment to the cause is amazing.
She said the need for support is not going away soon, though, as more people are being diagnosed.
"One in 150 people have an autism spectrum disorder," she said. "That number is going to go up."
Many area businesses also came out to show their support, including about 25 people representing HIMG (Huntington Internal Medicine Group).
Autism Services Center founder Ruth Christ Sullivan also spoke before the event and thanked the large crowd of people for their continued support.
"Autism is known throughout the world because of people like you," she said.
Upcoming fundraisers for autism services
6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Hillbilly Hot Dogs charity auction and hot dog sale at Adkins Auction on 727 14th St. West
noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, Frankie D's spaghetti luncheon at Pullman Square, $5.
