The threatening gray clouds, a few scattered raindrops and a chilly autumn breeze couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who put their best foot forward and stepped it up for a great cause.
After months of planning, TRC’s first-ever “Step Up For Autism” walk got off the ground Saturday, September 25. More than 100 people turned out to take part in the event to help raise funds and awareness for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The idea for the walk arose in 2009, when a number of people lamented to TRC representatives the fact there was no social skills training available locally for children with autism. Mindful that a national autism organization had held a successful awareness and fund-raising walk in Jamestown in 2007, the families and TRC decided to organize our own walk.
About 20 people served on the planning committee, which consisted of several parents and grandparents of those with autism, as well as TRC staff. Many of those family members are part of TRC’s Parents for Parents support group that meets monthly.
“The parents are the ones that are out there in the community,” said Joan Behrens, committee member who has a son with autism. “The more parents know, the more they can get others involved.”
“Parents have to support their children,” said Cindi Dietzen, committee member whose daughter has autism. “If the parents don’t support their child, the community won’t.”
“The parents are a huge piece. They bring a face, their stories and their children,” said Tess Kerzner, TRC’s Children’s Services Coordinator, who credited the efforts of parents for making Step Up for Autism a success. “The parents did a lot of leg work and contacted other people to take part.”
More than a hundred people, and a couple of four-legged friends, took part in this year’s 2-mile fun walk, which started at TRC’s Administrative Offices on Dunham Avenue in Celoron. Each registrant received a T-shirt and a goody bag filled with little mementos, including pencils bearing the event name. Individuals with disabilities got involved, with people from the Day Habilitation Programs and some who live in the Intermediate Care Facility on Foote Avenue helped stuff the bags. A number of other individuals who receive services from TRC, as well as TRC staff members, turned out to volunteer and/or participate in the walk
The cost to register was 20 dollars, but those who were able to raise 50 dollars or more, either on or off-line did not have to pay the fee.
The morning of the walk, people gathered in the parking area behind the Administrative Offices to register and turn in the pledges they had raised. There was a bustle of activity including clowns (one of whom was Brenda Pattison, Secretary at the Day Hab Program on Hazeltine Avenue), face painting, games, and Sparky the Fire Dog. WKZA 106.9 Kiss FM broadcast live from the event.
Prior to the walk’s start, Julie McCarthy, who recently joined The Resource Center’s Board of Directors and who served on the Step Up for Autism planning committee, made some remarks. Julie – whose son Andrew has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism – gave a moving opening address and took time to thank the other parents who helped organize the event, as well as the many corporate sponsors that donated to the walk.
“Today all of us are stepping up for autism,” said Julie. “We are raising awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders. We are creating friendships. For those of you who have it or have loved ones with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you know first hand just how hard it is to make friends. Embracing acceptance; allowing the communities to understand us, to take time to get to know us, our challenges that we have due to the severity of our diagnosis, but ultimately, the positive qualities we have to offer our communities once we are understood.”
Following Julie, Celoron Mayor Jack Keeney, County Legislator Mark Tarbrake and New York State Senator Catharine Young expressed their thanks and appreciation to all who took part. Then John Graham, who receives supports from TRC and loves to sing, gave a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. The walkers then lined up and began their trek from TRC through Lucille Ball Memorial Park and then back to TRC
As people returned from the walk, the inviting aroma of grilled hot dogs filled the air, and a fire truck from the Celoron Hose Company was on hand for people to explore and enjoy. Given the chilly weather, most people went inside TRC’s Conference Center to enjoy lunch. Just about all of the food, snacks and drinks were donated.
Also inside the Conference Center were a cake auction and a Chinese auction. The auction items were donated by a number of businesses and individuals. Celebrity cake auctioneers included Mayor Keeney, Legislator Tarbrake and Mark Goshgarian, the Anchorman for Cable 8 News. Thanks to the generosity of those on hand, the cake auction raised nearly $600. The Chinese auction raised more than $400 as well. Among the auctions, the 50/50 raffle, T-shirt sales, registrations, sponsorships, and donations, the event raised more than $5,000.
Sponsors for Step Up for Autism included Support Enterprises, Liberty Mutual, AFLAC, Countertop Solutions, Gamerz Haven, Lakewood Moose Lodge, Real Estate Advantage (C. Rick and Julia McMahon), TJ’s Plumbing and Heating, Village of Celoron, Celoron Hose Company, Cable 8 News, and 106.9 Kiss FM, plus a number of businesses who donated items.
Proceeds from Step Up for Autism will go to TRC Foundation, with a portion of the money going to fund TRC’s social skills training program for youths with autism. That program, called SUCCESS (Supporting, Understanding, Changing, Coping, and Everyday Social Skills) began in July 2010.
“The beauty of this walk is that the money stays local,” said Julie. “It doesn’t go into some fancy corporate office. It will be for the kids who have fallen through the cracks, who either don’t have insurance to pay for social skills or their insurance doesn’t cover social skills programs.”
“Transportation is also such an issue. It’s hard for parents to make travel, work and childcare arrangements if they have to travel to places like Buffalo. Its tough on them,” added Tess. “I’m very impressed with the outcome for the first year, and I’m amazed at the number of people calling and wanting to help.”
Plans already are in the works for next year’s walk, set for Saturday, September 24. If you are interested in learning more about the walk, or in volunteering for the event, you can call Tess Kerzner at 661-1057 or Victoria Trass Bardo, Special Projects and Events Coordinator, at 661-1477.
And if you missed the 2010 Step Up for Autism but still would like to support the event, T-shirts are available for $10 each. The long-sleeved shirts include the date of next year’s Autism Walk, so you can wear it proudly, knowing that you’re helping to promote the 2011 Step Up for Autism.