Autism Speaks - Maize and Blue…Blue Who?

[Guest guest]

Columbus Walk Now for AutismSunday, October 12, 2008Value City Arena at The Jerome Schottenstein CenterThe Ohio State University - Columbus, OH

219 Teams ----- 1,159 s ---- $119,575 Raised

Can you spare a " time " on October 12?The volunteers are central to any event that anticipates 5,000 to 10,000 people. The Columbus Walk Now for Autism Volunteer Committee, co-chaired by Jessie Beauvais and Lynn Rife, has already signed up 100 of the 200-plus volunteers needed.

Exactly what will volunteers do on October 12?

We need all kinds of volunteers. Recruit your family, friends, co-workers – recruit total strangers if you must…we need everyone! Types of volunteer needs are below with the coordinator's name. If you have already volunteered you should be in contact with the coordinator listed.

• Registration (Rick Vah and Trea Will)• Walk Route (Ron Kincaid)• Refreshments (Amy Sweet)• Entertainment (Mike Hoover)• Children's Activities (Kathy Borkowski)

• Resource Fair ( Eichelberger and Lawrence) New volunteer? Not sure where you fit? Simply contact us and we will assist you.

Outreach Committee is out-reaching-out

We think the Walk Outreach Committee chaired by Lori Peacock and Tammy Dean has been having a ton of fun. They are out visiting local businesses, schools, doctors' offices as well as staffing information tables at corporate and community events.

You can volunteer just like Spiegler with Walk Co-Chair Marci Ingram, right. has been at almost every outreach table event.

As lives outside of lin County she has been putting on a ton of miles and endured the summer heat! Her passion comes from having taught children with autism. Thanks to the Outreach Committee and all the volunteers like !

Other volunteer opportunities

OSU Student Involvement FairSeptember 22, 2008Main Oval – The Ohio State University

12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.Sign Up

Stones-A-Thon for AutismOctober 3, 2008Skully's Music Diner6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.Sign Up

Zoom-zoomEntertainment Committee Chair Mike Hoover, reports on All About Autism – the second annual car, truck and motorcycle show to benefit Oakstone Academy – a Walk Sponsor! The Outreach Committee attended to raise awareness for the Autism Walk in Columbus.

Maize and blue – blue who?

We just heard that our arch-rivals in Michigan have scheduled their walk on the same day as the Columbus Walk. Well…what are WE going to do about it?

Stay tuned – you can be sure that there will be a challenge of sorts. In the meantime, you can volunteer on the Ohio State Outreach Committee to bring awareness to the Walk at OSU. Contact us.

The what? The why? The how?

Funding autism research is a primary goal of Autism Speaks. While ten years ago there were only a handful of scientists working on this problem, now there are well over 1000, and more research begins every day.

Autism Speaks is funding a number of research studies here in Central Ohio. We feature thework of Dr. L. Eugene Arnold at The Ohio State University. Dr. Arnold and his research

team are testing what parent training in behavior management can add to the impact ofrisperidone, an FDA-approved treatment for irritability of autism.

Fundraiser focus

"Jewelry" is a girl's best friendHere's a walk fundraiser that combines wine tasting with a Silpada jewelry Party. The location is Vino100 at Polaris on September 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Contact us to RSVP.

Batting a thousandThe team leader for Team Learning Spectrum is Kathy Borkowski. It is named for a

company she started 4 years ago with 2 others. Tutoring, camps and social skills classesfor kids with autism have been the focus. As she has a 9-year old son, she saw a gap inservices for families in the area and wanted to help.

Team Learning Spectrum has already raised $1,600 towards their goal of $5,000. Theyorganized a Columbus Clippers game fundraiser and had 60 people attend. Having also

completed a letter writing campaign, these employees, family members, parents and kidshave joined together for the cause. Kathy is also on the Walk Team Relations Committeeand supports the Logistics Committee. Watch this team – they are hot!

Kick-Off pics -- Visit this link for additional Kick-Off photos.

A word from our sponsors

Let's take a moment to recognize our sponsors who are helping to make this first Columbus Walk Now for Autism event truly successful. If you are out and about be sure to say thanks!

Corporate Visionary Sponsor: White CastlePlatinum Sponsor: Limited BrandsMedia Sponsors: WCOL and NBC 4

Silver Sponsor: Oakstone AcademyBronze Sponsors: OhioHealth, Cardinal Health, METSSCommunity Investor Sponsor: Abercrombie & FitchAdditional Contributions: Huntington Bank and Woodfin Suites

Take it personally Join us to become a part of a new movement, and help change the future of all those who struggle with autism spectrum disorders in Central Ohio. You are invited to participate in the Columbus Walk Now for Autism event on Sunday, October 12, 2008.

FYI - 2008 NATTAP Conference registration

The Autism Society of America (ASA) and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) present the 2nd annual international conference on autism training and technical assistance.

The objectives of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), promote use of best practice in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building – all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Join the estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees from across the national and around the globe. http://www.nattapconference.org

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-- _______________________Jessie Beauvais Volunteer Committee, Co-Chair www.walknowforautism.org/columbus 2008 Columbus Walk Now for Autism

Sunday October 12, 2008 The Jerome Schottenstein Center Registration: 8:30AM Resource Fair: 8:30AM Walk: 10:00AM