The 2008 Broward Walk Now for Autism Is On – Rain or Shine!

NSU To Serve As Host Site for Broward Walk

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – For the fourth year in a row, Nova Southeastern University will serve as host site for the annual Broward Walk Now for Autism on April 12th. The announcement was made during the kick off luncheon on Feb. 21st held recently in Davie among a crowd of nearly 300 participants representing teams already registered to raise funds for the cause.

As home to such programs as the Baudhuin Preschool, an internationally recognized model center for children with autism spectrum disorder, NSU serves a critical role each year in raising funds for scientific research and increasing awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder as the host site. Last year, more than 6000 individuals walked the NSU campus grounds pledging more than $363,000 for autism research.

The 2008 Broward Walk Now for Autism will take place at NSU in front of the Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center (3100 Ray Ferrero Boulevard). Join thousands of individuals, families, friends and community members in taking steps toward finding the missing pieces in the cause and cure of Autism Spectrum Disorder. With just a few weeks remaining, Broward County businesses, residents and schools are urged to get involved. Each and every walk participant, whether a co-chair, a committee member, a team captain, a walker or a donor, champions the cause to advance and accelerate autism research by participating in the Broward Walk Now for Autism.

NSU proudly hosts the event in partnership with Autism Speaks and the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). Autism Speaks and NAAR recently combined operations, bringing together two of the leading organizations dedicated to accelerating and funding biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders.

Highlights of the 2008 Broward Walk Now for Autism

• Saturday, April 12, 2008
  Nova Southeastern University
  Main Davie Campus
  3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
  In front of the Alvin Sherman Library Green
• Check in time is 8:30 a.m.
  Walk starts at 10 a.m.
  Walk Distance: 1.5 miles
• After the walk, take part in a full day of special events, music and activities for the whole family.

To get involved, it’s easy and its best to start now.

Step 1 – Register online – it is easy. Go to www.walknowforautism.org and select the Broward County, April 12 Walk.

Step 2 – Join an existing team or form your own. Teams are a fun and easy way to get friends together and raise funds for an important cause. The whole family can take part. Follow the instructions on the web site and tell your family, friends and neighbors. Even if they can’t attend the walk, they can still participate as a member of your team.

Step 3 – Raise Funds – collect donations immediately using the online “fundraising tools” menu at www.walknowforautism.org. You can even create your own web page telling your personal story and email it to everyone you know.

Remember to bring your donations on the day of the walk on April 12. Everyone who raises a minimum of $100 receives a commemorative Walk T-shirt on the day of the walk. Other incentives such as lunch totes, duffel bags, an iPod Nano or iPod Classic will be awarded based on total donations raised by individuals and teams. For information about incentives or the walk on April 12, please visit www.walknowforautism.org or contact the South Florida Regional Office by email at broward@autismspeaks.org or by phone at 1-800-610-6227.

Media Contact:
Lourdes Rodriguez-Barrera, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309, 954-445-1287, rodrlour@nova.edu