"I don't know - what you've ever done - with don't care who - but Walkin' is - my favorite thing - for cats and chicks to do..." - Jon Hendricks (Lambert, Hendricks & Ross)
The 2009 Walk Now For Autism was a rousing success, and Elsa, Miro, Natalie, Diego and I thank EVERYONE who supported Team Diego and walked with us in spirit on Saturday. Diego's friends contributed a staggering $14,740 towards the over $1 million dollars raised for Autism research, making us ONE OF THE TOP SEVEN FUNDRAISING TEAMS at the march! Way to go, Diego!
Even Barack Obama was there (well at least his cardboard effigy) but as one speaker pointed out, the new administration has already acted to target funds for children with special needs in the budget.
There was, as usual, lots of awesome creativity on display, as families made homemade signs and wore color-coordinated t-shirts.
Team Diego was admittedly a bit more rag-tag in style, but Miro, Elsa, Phil Bray, Billy Wimsatt, Natalie and Diego were not to be outdone in comfort!
Yes, I know it was called a WALK, and walking may be okay for some people, but Prince Diego discovered that it was more fun to be pushed around in style in his chariot (I mean stroller), and having a tasty lollipop to enjoy didn't hurt either.
Mom and sister shared a relaxing moment in the Grand Club tent before we headed out for our circuit around the Rose Bowl.
Probably a bit early in the morning for teenage big brother Miro, but we appreciated that he made the effort to join us, and Diego was sooo happy that he was there with us.
As one of the top fundraisers, we were invited up on stage before the Walk. You can see that new Fuji Instax 200 camera I wrote about in an earlier post, hanging around my neck, and it was put to good use bringing you the widescreen instant photographs here on the blog. Except for this one below of course, which comes courtesy of Phil 'the still" Bray! Phil isn't family, but he's LIKE family, and we so appreciate that he made the walk with us. Thanks, dude.
The view from on stage was inspiring. What a sea of humanity. Last year was a sweltering day in Pasadena, but this Saturday was glorious, sunny and cool enough that the throngs of walkers crowding the Rose Bowl parking lot were in great spirits.
After the walk, Diego checked out some of the activities offered by various vendors who had set up tents at the event. A small petting zoo with goats and bunny rabbits was tough to pull away from. And Richard Jenkins percussion group in "The Visitor" had nothing on the Drum Circle being held by the therapists from Holding Hands, and Diego dove in with glee, showing off his Cuban heritage with some 3/4 and 5/7 rhythms!!
We are so grateful for all of the support you've shown Diego and for stepping up for this important cause. In this time of financial crisis, budgets everywhere that fund and support education and programs for children with special needs are being slashed. Now more than ever we need to raise our voice on behalf of those who need our help the most.
If you haven't already done so, you can still make a donation at:
Thank you!
william
Glad your walk was a big success!
Lovely family photos!
If I have been of service, if I have
glimsed more of the nature and essence
of ultimate good, if I am inspired to
reach wider horizons of thought and
action, if I am at peace with myself,
it has been a successful day.~Alex Noble
God Bless You and Yours!!!
Posted by: Flassie | April 28, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Those pictures are fantastic Bill, thanks so much for sharing them. I must say it was Miro's sleepy adorable expression that brought the biggest smile to my face this morning. Trying to catch up a little this morning before heading to the front lines of the emerging pandemic.
Posted by: margaret Oomen | April 29, 2009 at 03:53 AM