Press release:
August 2, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:WNC Community Stepping Out to Improve Lives of Individuals with Autism
WNC Run/Walk for Autism on September 11 in Asheville will benefit Autism Society of North Carolina
Asheville, NC – The Autism Society of North Carolina will hold its 11th annual WNC Run/Walk for Autism on Sunday, September 11. Runners and walkers of all ages participate in this fun family event, which will start at 1:30 p.m. on the UNC-Asheville campus.
Last year’s race raised more than $46,000 as more than 700 participants, volunteers and a variety of businesses joined to improve the lives of individuals with autism, support families affected by autism and educate communities.
The WNC Run/Walk for Autism will include a 5K race and a recreational 1K run/walk. The WNC Run/Walk for Autism also gives families a chance to celebrate autism awareness and acceptance with their community with activities for children, music and refreshments. Vendor space will showcase local businesses, service providers, support resources and sponsors.
The Trimbach family of Asheville has been participating in the WNC Run/Walk for Autism ever since moving to the area six years ago. Jesse Trimbach, who is 28 and has autism, says “It’s important to help raise money for people on the spectrum, so they can receive more services and benefits. I feel proud of joining the Run/Walk.”
“Jesse is able to live on his own with support from the Autism Society of North Carolina,” says Jesse’s mother, Kathy Trimbach. “Their staff is trained in autism, since it is their primary focus. And it’s a collaborative effort between parents and the workers.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as one out of every 59 children born today will be diagnosed with some form of autism in North Carolina. Proceeds from the WNC Run/Walk for Autism will fund local programs of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC), the leading statewide resource organization serving people across the spectrum throughout their lifespans:
- Residential, recreational, vocational, and community-based services that make it possible for individuals with autism to lead fulfilling lives
- Financial assistance for families in crisis in the Asheville area
- Support groups, advocacy, and workshops for caregivers and professionals
Please visit www.runwalkforautism.com or call 800-442-2762 to register, join a team, form a team, sponsor, donate or volunteer.
Background:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. A prevalence study by the CDC indicates as many as 1 in 59 8-year-old schoolchildren in North Carolina may be diagnosed with autism.
For more than 46 years, the Autism Society of North Carolina has worked to address areas of need and expand services for the autism community in North Carolina. ASNC works to directly improve the lives of individuals affected by autism by providing advocacy, education and services.
For more information, call 1-800-442-2762 or visit www.autismsociety-nc.org.
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