Little Star Center All Stars Prepare For 2012 Answers for Autism Walk

Join us Saturday, September 22, for Answers for Autism’s annual Walk for Autism at Coxhall Gardens, 2000 West 116th Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032.  The event includes family entertainment such as a rock climbing wall, a giant slide, arts and crafts, bubbles, face painting, a balloon release (biodegradable), sensory activities, refreshments (some for purchase and some free), and most importantly, information on issues surrounding autism.  Feel free to bring a blanket or folding chairs to use during the entertainment.  The one-mile course is stroller-friendly and handicap-accessible. No pets are allowed in the park except for service/therapy dogs.

Join the Little Star Center All Stars Team and help us win the Largest Team recognition during this year in which we celebrate our 10th Anniversary! Registration on event day is from 9-10:30 a.m. and is $10; those raising $50 or more will receive a t-shirt.   The balloon release will be held at 10:45 a.m., followed by the walk at 11 a.m. A silent auction is available from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and the family events are from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Answers for Autism is an all-volunteer organization founded by parents of children with autism. Its mission is 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 our community without fear or bias or loss of individuality.  Answers for Autism hosts various fundraising events – the Answers for Autism Walk being the main one – to carry out its mission through a grant program to serve individuals on the autism spectrum, promote the advancement of autism research, and increase public awareness.

Last year’s grant awards included:  About Special Kids, Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources, Albany ‘AUTISM’ Project, the Autism Society of Indiana, Brook Park Elementary, CYO Camp Rancho Framasa, Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana, Elkhart Community Schools, Frankton High School, FUSE, Greenfield-Central Community School Corp., Hancock Madison Shelby Education Service, HBM Special Ed Cooperative, Hope Haven Horse Farm, Jacob’s Place, Jameson Camp, Little Star Center, Perry Exceptional Children’s Cooperative, Riverside Intermediate School and Westfield Autism Team. Answers for Autism was founded as Autism Advocates of Indiana on March 11, 2000 and started doing business as Answers for Autism on January 1, 2011. Since its inception, Answers for Autism has distributed $594,409.80; $389,409.80 went for Indiana programs and $205,000 went to national autism research.

For directions to Coxhall Gardens, see map.