AUTISM WALK & EXPO OF THE HUDSON VALLEY
Sis Gonyea
30 Denver Rd.Kingston NY 12401
845-226-7525
To Whom it may Concern:
The Autism Society Hudson Valley will be hosting the Autism Walkand Expo of the Hudson Valley on Sunday April 25, 2010 from 9 am to1:30 pm at The Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY. We are a non-profit agency, and hope we can count on you to make a difference in the lives of the Hudson Valley Autistic Community. We hope you will consider sponsoring this great event.
Autism is a misunderstood disorder. Public awareness is needed to promote understanding of and compassion for this disorder so that our children will not only maximize their potential, but also live more harmoniously in society. Some money will go to research; however, most of the funds will be used for grants in the areas of recreational, educational and respite programs for those affected with autism, and their families right here in the Hudson Valley Region.
We would like to invite you to be a part of the Autism Walk & Expo for the Hudson Valley Region. While your presence would be an honor, we would be grateful if you could also say a few words of encouragement. We are suggesting you have a flex sign with an A-frame made up with your name on it along with some words of support for our cause.
For example: Assemblyman Kevin Cahill is helping solve the puzzle.These signs will be placed along the path of our walk for all to see.
We honor your commitment to the continued good health of the people of our state and nation.
With Sincere Appreciation,
Sis Gonyea
The focus of this event is to educate parents and teachers; to help spread the awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Hudson Valley community; to raise funds for local respite, recreation and educational programs, including a small portion for research of this affliction which has no known cause or cure; and to support families recently receiving the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, to show they are not alone.
“The families of the Hudson Valley Region pulled together on a sunny, 90-degree day during a tough economy to raise funds and support their loved ones living with Autism,” said Founder and Walk Chairperson Karen Kosack a mother of two children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “The community really showed their support in what turned out to be an amazing day, and the Autism Walk and Expo Committee and Autism Society of America, Hudson Valley Chapter are forever grateful for the wonderful turnout,” she said. “A special thanks goes to Robert Grems, manager of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, for his warm opening remarks to the Hudson Valley Autistic Community, and to Andy Imperati, Operations Manager, for helping the event run so smoothly.” Mark Bolger of Star 93.3 was the Master of Ceremonies for the event, and Johnny Dell and the Nite life band kicked off the walk to the tune, “Walking on Sunshine.”
Walkers included several family and school teams, individuals, and corporate teams such as Central Hudson, Best Buy, Sam’s Club, Shop Rite, Kohl’s. More than 40 resource booths on Autism and related services were available to the public.
“Every 20 minutes a new family in the United States are learning their loved one has Autism Spectrum Disorder. I see this as reaching epidemic levels,” said Kosack. “We need to stand firm as a community to continue to raise autism awareness for those individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and continue to educate those around us so that the community will embrace our loved ones affected by this disorder. Together, with my strong and hard working committee members and community residents of the Hudson Valley, we will be sure our voice is heard so we can make a difference. Thanks to all who took part in this amazing event. Each one is truly an essential piece in helping connect the pieces to the puzzle.”
Local businesses and organizations lent their support: refreshments were supplied by Hannaford Supermarkets, PriceChopper, Deising’s Bakery & Coffee Shop and My Brother Bobby’s Salsa. Thomas O. Miller & Company Inc. supplied coffee all day long, and Culligan supplied over 2,000 bottles of water for the walkers. Mascots Stevie the Starfish and Stinky Pete the Parrot of Splash Down Beach were on hand to greet the community, and sponsorships were provided by Creative Ceramics by You, Inc., Wachovia, Vassar Brothers Hospital (Medical & Dental Staff), St. Francis Hospital and Kingston Hospital. The Harley Owners Group of Orange County and biker buddies raised more than $1,400 and provided a ride-along with more than 135 participating motorcycles for Autism Awareness.
An extra special thanks goes to PartyTime Rentals, Amanda Moody and A Horse Connection for their miniature ponies and carnival games, Clear Channel Radio for their help in promoting this year’s event, and to the 4-H Club and Drums-2-Go for activities enjoyed by so many children.
Thanks also to the emergency personnel of the New York State Troopers, Dutchess County Sheriff, Rhinebeck Fire Department and Northern Dutchess Paramedics for being on hand.
The Walk & Expo committee also extends a special thanks to the elected officials who supported this great cause, including Senator Steve Saland; Director of Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office John Mizerak; Assemblyman Joel Miller; Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Assemblyman Peter Lopez; Assemblyman Marc Molinaro; Dutchess County Legislature Joel Tyner; and to Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who arranged to have a flag flown over Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for Autism Awareness.
The Beale family of LaGrange and their autistic son Andrew, together with the LaGrange Challenger T-Ball and Challenger Bowling leagues, had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the starting line, and together with his challenger teammates marched through the balloon arch. Boy Scout Troop #17 of Fairview, Poughkeepsie, performed the Flag Ceremony, while Casey Aguiar of Dutchess County, also challenged with Autism, lead the Pledge of Allegiance in front an audience of 5,500 attendees. Sara Costigan, a young teenager living with autism, sang the National Anthem.
“We hope to see you all next year at the next Autism Walk and Expo of the Hudson Valley Region, which will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Dutchess County Fairgrounds,” said Kosack. Please visit www.autismwalkhv.org for more info and to view a complete list of sponsorship and resources in the Hudson Valley region.