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.   

 

                                                                                                                

  AUTISM WALK & EXPO OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

February 23, 2009 For Release: Immediately: April 13th, 2009

Contact: Karen Kosack, (845) 546-6962

Founder & Program Chair, President

 

The Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley Region Held April 26

Raise Local Funds and Awareness
Sponsored by the Autism Society of America - Hudson Valley Chapter

 

(Rhinebeck, NY) The Autism Walk & Expo of the of the Hudson Valley Region will be held Sunday, April 26, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. rain or shine at the grandstand and track area of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Individuals and teams are encouraged to obtain sponsorships for the one- to two-mile route around the track to raise critically needed funds for local programs and to raise awareness, with a small portion donated for research. Karen Kosack, President of ASA – Hudson Valley and Founder & Chairperson of the walk, has worked to increase local awareness of autism over the last eight years through her past successful events locally, which together raised more than $610,000 and attracted more than 16,000 attendees and participants.
“Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that interferes with speech learning and social skills development. This walk will raise funds to support local programs, and a small portion will be donated to research,” explained Kosack, who is also a LaGrange resident and mother of two autistic children. “We also want to raise awareness about autism, which affects one person in every 150 in this country today -- and yet there are still many unanswered questions.”
Early signs of autism include serious speech delay, poor eye contact, sensory issues and extreme tantrums for no apparent reason. “Think of it as living in a foreign country without knowing the language – and how difficult it would be to communicate,” said Kosack. “We don’t know the cause of autism, but early intervention goes a long way. If you see these signs in your children, contact your doctor to schedule an evaluation.”
Although no donation is too small, it is hoped that the average walker will bring in pledges of at least $100. Team walkers are encouraged to participate in this event, and same day registration is welcomed.
This year Kosack spearheads the Autism Walk & Expo with support from more than 50 major sponsors and public leaders, including Assemblyman Peter Lopez, Assemblyman Joel Miller, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey, State Senator Stephen Saland, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Director of Taconic DDSO John Mizerk. Sponsorships are provided by the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Cablevision, Orange County N.Y. H.O.G. Chapter 3315, Star 93.3 with Mark Bolger and Kimberly Kay, Hannaford Supermarkets, Anderson Center for Autism, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., Wachovia, Best Buy, Deising’s Bakery and Coffee Shop, Culligan, Thomas O. Miller and Company, Inc. and Sam’s Club, Shop Rite and Walmart (please visit www.AutismWalkHV.org for a complete listing of sponsors).
As a treat for kids young and old, the Hudson Valley Renegades’ mascot will again delight participants from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., and there will be other attractions, including Renegades batting booth, Drums 2 Go, A Horse Connection, carnival games, arts and crafts Hidden Hollow Horse Farm a fire engine slide and a bouncy house castle by PartyTime Rentals. Live entertainment will be provided by Johnny Dell and the Nite Life band. More than 35 informational booths will also be available with plenty of take-home information.
In addition to the walk, the Orange County H.O.G.s, Chapter 3315, will raise funds with a ride from Moroney’s Cycle Shop in Newburgh to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Also, Creative Ceramics by You, Inc. of Hopewell Junction will offer half-price studio fees during the month of April, with proceeds donated to ASA – Hudson Valley Autism Walk & Expo.
Participants are asked to use the Parsonage Street entrance rather than the main gate, and register at the track. Pets are not permitted at the Fairgrounds. For additional information about autism, visit the Autism Society of America’s website at www.autism-society.org. For additional information about the Walk or to become a volunteer, contact Karen Kosack, founder and Program Chairperson at (845) 226-7525 or at www.AutismWalkHV.org.

 For additional information, contact Kosack at (845) 226-7525, or visit www.AutismWalkHV.org.  For more information on autism, visit the Autism Society of America’s website at www.autism-society.org.

                                                                                                       

AUTISM WALK & EXPO OF THE HUDSON VALLEY REGION 2009

  IF YOU GO:

 What: One to two-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for local programs. Walkers are invited to participate as individuals or in teams, and are asked to obtain sponsors to raise money. Resource booths and activities for the children will be available. Live entertainment by Johnny Dell and the Nite Life Band.

When: Sunday, April 26, 2009

Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine. Same day registration is available.

Place: Track area of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY

        For More Information:  Karen Kosack, President ASA – Hudson Valley and Walk Founder & Chairperson,

(845) 226-7525. Website:  www.autismwalkhv.org

    

Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley Region 2009

 Public Service Announcement

 :30 Script 

Lace up your sneakers and gather up your pledges….

Here’s your chance to raise critically needed funds to help someone with autism – the mysterious developmental disability that currently affects 1 out of 150 children in the United States today. 

While we don’t know the causes of autism, early intervention goes a long way. Signs of autism in young children include serious speech delay, poor eye contact, sensory issues and extreme tantrums for no apparent reason. With proper treatment, children with autism can learn to play, talk, read, write and do most other activities.

The Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley Region will help raise funds for local programs, with a small portion allocated towards research, and will take place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY on Sunday, April 26, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m to 2p.m.

Participants will walk along a one to two mile track, and individuals, as well as corporate teams, are encouraged to take part.

 

For more information, contact Karen Kosack, President – ASA Hudson Valley and Walk Founder & Program Chair, at 845-226-7525 or visit www.autismwalkhv.org.

Help us connect the pieces of Autism: take the first step by calling today…845-226-7525.