The Autism Tough Foundation welcomed over 200 people as they held their 2nd annual Walk for Autism. The walk was held at Keystone High School on April, 21st, 2024 to help spread awareness about Autism and other intellectual disabilities. Over 60 volunteers showed up to help with the event that included local adults and students from the Keystone School District. The walk is also a way for the community to celebrate Autism Awareness month which takes place every April.
Vendors from across Venango and Clarion Counties also braved the cold weather to share information about their services available to those in our community with disabilities. Among these vendors were Wolfe’s Youth Employability Solutions, Next Step Therapy, RIU6 Early Intervention, RIU6 Achieving skills for Life, Alliance Therapy Dogs, Magna Therapy by Matt Cross, and Clarion Rehab were among the vendors who joined the walk’s resource Fair. Knox Volunteer Fire Department provided an engine for the kids to see. Autism Tough provided a Kid Fun Zone! Set up where different games and sensory free items for all kids!
Keystone High School Life Skills program set up their snack shack where they served lunch for those in attendance. Along with the snack shack, Blended Nutrition was there selling Puzzle Juice loaded teas. The Clarion County Dairy Princess Team handed out chocolate milk to the walkers after the walk ended. Brows by Erica Leah was on hand offering tiny Autism tattoos for those interested.
This year’s walk shirts were designed by Cullen Mullin, a 6-year-old boy who has Autism. Cullen is a Victory Elementary student who recently was diagnosed on the spectrum. His design included a colorful hand-print with the words Autism is a Beautiful Spectrum. Cullen waved and bowed to the crowd of walkers as they announced him before the walk. He was such a shining star! His family could not have been prouder of him for being this year’s winner.
The Autism Tough Foundation is a local organization based out of Knox that works to raise awareness and acceptance for Autism and other disabilities in our local communities. Founded in September 2018, the Autism Tough Foundation has raised money to help raise awareness and better the lives of those living with a disability. The local non-profit and 501c3 organization serves families and individuals living in Clarion and Venango Counties of any age. Monies raised stay in our local communities to help provide sensory friendly events, raise awareness, as well as to help pay for items and other expenses that may arise for a family or individual living with a disability. Events include swimming, bowling, horse camps, Bacon Buddies, Fall party, Easter and Christmas sensory free events. We tailor events to meet the needs of these amazing children and young adults in our area!
If you would like to make a donation, you can send it to Autism Tough Foundation and mailed to 305 Sunset Lane, Knox, PA, 16232. We also have PayPal at autismtoughfoudation@gmail.com
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