Walking the walk
Autism Speaks events net $155K
Local community members recently came together for the 2017 Autism Speaks Broward Walk.
Hosted by the South Florida Chapter of Autism Speaks, the walk took place in Sunrise at the BB&T Center. The walk served to raise funds and support for the organization’s mission of promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
According to the website, a total of $155,449 was raised from the overall goal of $210,000.
South Florida Ford was one of the main sponsors, with JP Villanueva, account executive, having served as this year’s Walk Chair.
“It was an honor to take my involvement further by serving as this year’s Walk Chair,” said Villanueva. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much more about the organization and why every bit of support truly makes a difference for these families.”
Villanueva was joined by Allan Young, chairman of South Florida Ford. Young has a personal stake in the cause, as he is the father of a child with autism. Through his personal experience, Young understands the daily challenges, as well as the joys, of raising a child on the autism spectrum, and is passionate about helping others in the community.
“South Florida Ford is proud to be one of the lead sponsors of Autism Speaks here in South Florida for a number of years now,” said Young. “As a parent of a child that is on the spectrum, it is particularly special to me, as I have seen the organization make a huge
difference for my own family.”
As part of their involvement in the event, South Florida Ford additionally donated funds to Autism Speaks through a social media campaign. Participants in the walk were encouraged to share photos across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag, “#Ford4Autism,” with $5 donated to the organization, one hashtag per account.
For more information on the South Florida Chapter of Autism Speaks, visit Autismspeaks.org/south-florida.
“It was an honor to take my involvement further by serving as this year’s Walk Chair ... Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much more about the organization and why every bit of support truly makes a difference for these families.” — JP Villanueva, South Florida Ford account executive