e-Speaks: Puzzle Pretzels Hit the Shelves; West Texas Walk; “Fox Sports Supports” and NASCAR; “Night of Too Many Stars”
e-Speaks || April 11, 2008
Puzzle Pretzels Hit the Shelves
The Bachman Company debuted its Puzzle Pretzel, baked in the shape of the Autism Speaks puzzle piece logo, to steady requests from around the country. It is available in grocery stores in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions as well as online. Five percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Puzzle Pretzel will be donated to Autism Speaks. Read more and purchase the Puzzle Pretzel here.
Everything’s Bigger in (West) Texas
The 4th Annual West Texas Walk Now for Autism took place on Saturday, April 5, with simultaneous events in Abilene, the original site for the walk, and in San Angelo, a new location, with a record total of 2,800 walkers. More than 110 teams participated, nearly triple the number of teams from last year, raising $120,000. Read more, view photos and video here.
“FOX Sports Supports” In Full Throttle at NASCAR
Thanks to FOX’s charitable campaign “Fox Sports Supports,” Autism Speaks was front and center during the NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway on April 6. Numerous on-screen graphics as well as the logo on the pace car directed viewers to Autism Speaks and Chevrolet’s current “Help Chevy Help Autism” fundraising promotion. Inspired by FOX’s awareness campaign, the NASCAR Foundation also donated over $10,000 to Autism Speaks from the sale of its NASCAR Foundation pins last weekend. Read more and view photos here.
Sunday’s “Night of Too Many Stars” to Benefit Autism Speaks
This Sunday, April 13, Jon Stewart will host the second biannual “Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education” at the Beacon Theater in New York, to raise money for schools and education programs for children and adults with autism, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks. The night will feature stand-up routines, sketches and short films by talent including Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, Sarah Silverman and Amy Poehler. Musical guest Maroon 5 is also scheduled to appear. The event will be televised live on Comedy Central. Read more and purchase tickets here.
IAN Reports on the Use of Medications to Treat Symptoms
According to IAN research findings, medications represent a major treatment type. The vast majority of medications prescribed to alleviate symptoms in children with autism are psychotropic, and are prescribed by psychiatrists. The use of such medications increases as children age, probably because psychiatric issues are more likely to be clearly identified when children are older. The majority of parents feel there is little risk associated with trying these medications, and many are pleased with the results. Read more.
Keystone Symposia Turns Its Attention to Autism
This past February, the Keystone Symposia, an organization dedicated to bringing together the world’s top scientists from a variety of disciplines, turned its attention to autism by holding a conference in New Mexico. Speaking about the five day symposium, lecturer and Autism Speaks’ Chief Scientific Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D., enthused about the many non-autism scientists eager to learn about autism and then share the knowledge within their own respective fields. Also in attendance were many young scientists wanting to direct their careers toward the study of autism, underscoring the importance of such gatherings for the future of autism research. Read a conference recap here.
KRG Challenges Ontario Walk Now for Autism Participants
Steven Wise, Chairman and CEO of KRG Insurance Group and Chairman of KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation announced that the Foundation will donate $2 for every walker that registers on-line, participates in and raises a minimum of $100 in Autism Speaks Canada’s 4th Annual Ontario Walk Now for Autism, which drew close to 5,000 walkers in 2007. This announcement comes on the heels of KRG’s recent corporate donation to Autism Speaks Canada in the amount of $250,000 to assist the organization with its development and programs in Canada. Read more.
Shop the all-new Autism Speaks e-Store!
Be sure to shop the newly resdesigned Autism Speaks e-store, where you can purchase products from puzzle pins to penguins! New features include a full e-card gallery to send greetings with an autism awareness message for any occasion and a new “Cool Stuff” section for the young and the young at heart. Be sure to check out our new items, including the stunning sterling silver “hope” bangle bracelet. Visit the e-store and purchase your “hope” bracelet here.
Donor Story: The Pin is In!
On March 8, Gabriel Henry, a six year old with autism, celebrated his birthday surrounded by friends and family members sporting the Autism Speaks puzzle piece lapel pin. His mother, Amber, requested that in lieu of presents, guests visit the Autism Speaks website to make a donation and wear the pin. Proud guests raised over $400 in honor of Gabe. Read more and view photos here.
International Badass Activists 