2012 Answers for Autism Walk
The day dawned sunny, dry and in the 60s…a perfect day for a walk through the beautiful Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, IN this past weekend. Hundreds of volunteers and participants attending the Answers for Autism’s annual event filled the grounds, enjoying music, the rock climbing wall, giant inflatable slide, face painting, balloons, silent auction, and sensory activities. Little Star Center’s (LSC) All Stars Team were very visible in their dark purple shirts which celebrated LSC’s 10th anniversary.
After a balloon release, a Carmel Fire Department truck led the attendees on the one-mile walk, which ended at a beautiful fountain near the Cox mansion. The day was a carnival of color, sound and camaraderie for Answers for Autism, an all-volunteer organization founded by parents of children with autism. Its mission: to increase and broaden public knowledge and awareness of the behaviors, social issues and emotional needs of individuals on the autism spectrum so that all individuals can participate in and contribute to the community without fear or bias or loss of individuality.
Little Star, which served as a major sponsor of the event, thanks everybody who registered for our team; we were honored again as the largest team at 113 strong, and the largest team fundraiser – raising $3,320! Your support is greatly appreciated by all, particularly the recipients of grant awards made by Answers for Autism. Since its inception in 2000, Answers for Autism has distributed $594,409.8 of which $389.409.80 went to Indiana programs and $205,000 to national autism research. Donations are still being totaled from this year’s event but it is expected to be significant, thanks to you. Until next year…