Rockland Boulders Game Will Benefit Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Typically, funds for The Greater Hudson Valley Walk Now for Autism Speaks come from what is raised by participating walkers. This year, however, you don’t need to walk on Saturday, October 15 to participate. You can sit back and relax - at a Rockland Boulders game next week.

The Rockland Boulders versus New York Federals game on Sunday, August 14 at 5 p.m. at Provident Bank Park will be Autism Speaks Awareness Night. Part of ticket proceeds will benefit the walk, an addition to funds raised by participating walkers.  

The first ball will be thrown by second grader Al McMahon. Al attends Woodglen Elementary School in New City and is one of the younger members of Team Giant Leaps Occupational Therapy. Giant Leaps has sponsored a team for the walk each year, since the race in 2009. Located in Rockland County, the center provides children with treatment for sensory motor, fine motor, and self help skills.

“Al has been practicing his pitching for several weeks, and he’s ready for his pro-ball debut,” jokes Tammy Belcher, Executive Director of Giant Leaps OT. 

“Our goal in participating as a team is to help the children we serve to learn the importance of giving back to the community- to know what it is like to be part of something bigger than oneself and to learn to become advocates for their needs,” Belcher shares. “I know the entire stadium will be cheering for Al,” she adds.  

Autism Awareness Night comes during aa series of games in the Rockland Boulder’s Charity Challenge, where part of ticket proceeds go to organizations such as Jawonio and Red Cross. Contribute to Walk Now for Autism Speaks by ordering your tickets online.

is a two to three-mile walk and Community Resource festival at Rockland County Community College. It is one of 78 walks planned for this year alone, initiated by Autism Speaks, an autism science and advocacy organization. It is North America’s largest autism organization. 

The fair will include fun activities for children and booths offering information about autism. "Toys R Us" and "Babies R Us," Walk Now sponsors, will host a tent where mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe will be waiting to greet children. They will also distribute a "Ten Toys That Speak to Autism" newsletter, listing playthings that can aid skill development in children with autism.

This will be the 4th annual Walk Now for the Greater Hudson Valley region. Autism Speaks expect about 1,000 attendees this year.

Last year 700 walked, and through their donations, the event raised $107,000. This money was dedicated to autism research, services for families with autistic members, and programs to increase awareness about autism spectrum disorder. 

Whether they registered as individuals or joined existing teams, participants of past years have done all the fundraising. They have had to invent their own activities from bake sales to bingo nights to reach their fundraising goal, explains Virginia Connell, the Greater Hudson Valley and West/Fair Regional Events Manager for Autism Speaks. Usually, participants aim to collect $150 in donations, though Walk Now VIPs contribute at least $1,000. 

So far, the 2011 walkers have contributed a total of $24,703 towards the $118,000 walk goal. But this year, their efforts will be only part of the total donations.