Houston Autism Speaks Walk Will Raise Funds for The Autism Community

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston market of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, will hold its 2019 Houston Autism Speaks Walk event on Saturday, October 19th at Lynn Eusan Park at The University of Houston with an expected attendance of 5,000 supporters. Proceeds from Houston’s 15th annual Walk will support Autism Speaks’ mission to promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

Autism Speaks Walk is the world’s largest fundraising event to enhance the lives of people with autism today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. The events are powered by the love of parents, grandparents, children, siblings, friends, relatives, and support providers for the special people in their lives living with autism. Funds raised help fuel innovative research and make connections to critical lifelong supports and services.

The Houston Walk will include a 3k walk around The University’s campus and a Community Resource Fair to connect families with local educational resources, therapists, recreational programs and child-friendly activities.

In recent years, Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in the Houston area. Through its Local Grants Program, Autism Speaks has provided funding to innovative local service providers. They include: Houston Ballet Foundation, The HUB Houston, Inc., Elijah’s Retreat, The ARC of Greater Houston, Young Audiences of Houston, Discover Fitness Foundation, and more. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at local research institutions, including Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas Health Science Center- Houston.

“The Houston Autism Speaks Walk is helping fund vital services and innovative solutions that improve quality of life for people with autism in our community,” said Kaitlin Bracken, Autism Speaks Houston Director, Field Development. “We are eager to support crucial work by researchers, service providers, and medical experts, both close to home and all across the country.”

Alpha Xi Delta proudly serves as the North American national partner of Autism Speaks Walk. Since 2009, Alpha Xi Delta has raised more than $10 million dollars for Autism Speaks, and they currently participate at Autism Speaks Walk events nationwide. Alpha Xi Delta’s work not only generates vital funds for autism research, but also raises awareness for autism. On World Autism Awareness Day in 2019, they lit more than a thousand buildings blue as part of Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign in honor of the millions people affected by autism worldwide.

“We’re very proud of the work our members have helped Autism Speaks accomplish,” said Elysia Gallivan, Executive Director of Alpha Xi Delta. “This partnership is especially meaningful for our Sisters, families and friends as the number of people affected by autism continues to increase. We’re excited for the next phase of our partnership as we further commit ourselves to Autism Speaks’ signature fundraising and awareness event.”

Local sponsors of the walk include: Blue Sprig, APARA Autism Center, Applied Behavior Learning Center, Behavior TLC, Behavioral Innovations, CARE, Cutting Edge Pediatric & Adult Therapy, Grand Oak Academy, KPRC, Massey Services, Inc., MedCare Pediatric Therapy and Nursing, LaLa HealthCare Solutions, LLC part of Momentus Health Services, Pinecone Therapies, Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., RiverKids Pediatric Home Health, SWIS, Therapy 2000, Therapy & Beyond, Trumpet Behavioral Health, Unlocking The Spectrum, LLC.
Join the movement today: Register for an Autism Speaks Walk at www.AutismSpeaks.org/Walk or contact: Kaitlin Bracken at HoustonWalk@AutismSpeaks.org

About Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. Go to AutismSpeaks.org to learn more, donate or join a fundraising walk.

About Alpha Xi Delta Founded in 1893 at Lombard College, now Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois, Alpha Xi Delta inspires women to realize their potential by providing opportunities for Sisterhood, leadership, knowledge and service. The national women’s fraternity has more than 150,000 initiated members and chapters on 125 college campuses. For more information on Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, visit www.alphaxidelta.org.