Step Up for Autism Walk
About the Event
Designed to raise awareness about autism, a complex developmental disability that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans, the Step Up for Autism walk was the first of its kind to be held in Naperville. More than 1,600 participants helped to make the inaugural 2009 walk and fun run one of the most successful fundraising events in Little Friends history. The 2011 walk continued the tradition of successful fundraising events
and we look forward to the 2012 SUFA walk doing the same. Funds raised from this annual event benefit children and adults with autism right here in our community served by Little Friends and the Little Friends Center for Autism.
This family-friendly event promises to be a morning of fun for walkers and runners of all ages. Festivities will include a 2.5-mile walk and fun run and a one-mile kid-friendly route. This year’s event will also feature a
fun-filled Kids Area, complete with interactive displays, moon jumps and entertainment.
Schedule
8:30 a.m. Registration Begins
8:30 a.m. Kids Area Activities
9:45 a.m. Walk Kick-off
10:00 a.m. Fun Run Begins
10:05 a.m. Walk Begins
12:00 p.m. Walk Festivities Conclude
Click here to register online for the Step Up for Autism Walk or download registration form here.
Team Captains - Download the Official Team Captain Guide here.
To view a map of this year's walk route, please click here.
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.
Visual Systems
Visual picture systems for the fourth annual Step Up for Autism walk and fun run are now available. Designed by the Little Friends Center for Autism, the visual picture system adapts walk activities to meet the needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Participants can utilize the colorful number countdown picture system to take part in a variety of walk festivities, including walking, eating, drinking and playing in the event’s fun-filled Kids’ Area.
To download a system, please click here.
SUFA Spirit Wear
Just in time for walk season, Little Friends is excited to offer new logoed Step Up for Autism walk merchandise. New merchandise includes hooded sweatshirts, available in both youth and adult sizes, long sleeve baseball t-shirts, fleece stadium blankets and window clings. Walkers can also purchase popular items from last year’s line, which included drawstring backpacks, a canvas bag and dog bandannas. To learn more or to place your order, please contact:
Maureen Reichelt, ColorBurst Sales Consultant
Phone: (630) 852-6824 ext.1
email: maureen@cburst.com
Sponsorship Opportunities
The success of each Little Friends special event relies heavily upon the generosity of local businesses through corporate sponsorship. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2012 Step Up for Autism walk range from $250 to $7,500, with corresponding benefits at each level. Walk sponsors will be recognized through event signage, logo placement on the official walk Web site and in publicity materials. Sponsors will also exhibit goodwill to the community by playing a crucial role in one of the agency's most important fundraising and public awareness events. To download a copy of our 2012 Sponsorship Brochure, please click here.
Get Involved Today
By supporting the Step Up for Autism walk, you will help to ensure that Little Friends will continue to provide the most dynamic and cutting-edge therapies and resources for the tens of thousands of families across Illinois that live with an autism diagnosis each and every day.
You can get involved with the Step Up for Autism walk by:
- Forming a Team of Walkers/Runners
- Supporting a Walker/Runner by Making a Donation
- Becoming a Sponsor
- Volunteering on the Day of the Walk
Contact Information
To learn more about the Step Up for Autism walk, please contact:
Event Information
Renee Miklosik
Special Events and Volunteer Manager
Phone: (630) 355-6533
E-mail: rmiklosik@lilfriends.com
Sponsorship Information
Kim Bus
Director of Marketing, PR, Community Relations
Phone: (630) 281-1815
E-mail: kbus@lilfriends.com