Autism Walk takes place Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the first Walk for Autism Awareness will take place this Saturday at Riverstone Park.

Sponsored by the Panhandle Autism Society, the walk will begin at 10 a.m. and circle around the perimeter of the park.

Friends, families and co-workers are encouraged to form a team and collect pledges to benefit autism awareness in North Idaho. Pledge forms are available online at www.panhandleautismsociety.com.

"This special event is open to the North Idaho community to raise funds for local programs, raise awareness and connect families to the many local services available for people living with autism," said walk organizer Christy Adams.

After the walk, participants will enjoy vendors, bounce houses, a gymnastics course, music and food. T-shirts will be handed out, too.

There will be a raffle drawing to win a free iPad at 10 a.m. Raffle tickets are $5 and can be purchased by calling Denise Wetzel at 704-3698 or emailing panhandleautismsociety@yahoo.com.

Other walk sponsors include Medicine Man Pharmacy, Heartfelt Moments photography, Lakeside Pediatrics, Syringa Family Partnerships, The Fun Guy, Family Support Services and North Star Child Development Center.

Several sponsors will be on hand to provide information about local autism resources and answer questions.

Volunteers are needed - call Denise at 704-3698. Walk registration forms are available at panhandleautismsociety.com.