Laurel

Walk for Autism Speaks raises big money

Posted: Sep 10, 2012 7:33 AM by Callie Eike - Q2 News
Updated: Sep 10, 2012 7:33 AM

LAUREL - Nearly 1,000 people gathered Sunday in Laurel for Walk Now for Autism Speaks. This is the second year of the Autism Walk, but this year the Autism Speaks Foundation joined in, making it the first official Autism Walk in the state of Montana.

Vendors and autistic artists came to support the event providing free face painting and various artwork that people could purchase.

Nearly $80,000 was raised to help with research and funding for those with autism.

"One in 88 kids that are born now have autism, and one in 54 boys. So you're going to know someone in your family, or friends that are going to have autism," said Susan Mauro Autism Awarenss Advocate. "So the whole point of this is to raise awareness and acceptance, but we don't want to change anything. We just want to accept these kids for what they are. They're just like everybody else, they just have different abilities."

For more information you can contact Susan Mauro by emailng her at jsusanseth@msn.com.