Local businesses and organizations came together on Saturday to raise support and awareness for Autism, one step at a time. The eighth annual Autism Awareness Walk-a-Thon was held at the Richland County Fairgrounds on Home Road in Mansfield.
Founded by Debbie Melching, the Autism Awareness Walk-A-Thon, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for families affected by Autism. Melching’s passion to support the cause was inspired by her grandson Daylin Scott who was diagnosed with Autism eight years ago at age three.
According to Melching, eight years ago 1 in 166 children were diagnosed by the disorder. Now approximately one in 50 children, with one in 31 being boys, are currently being diagnosed.
“All the money raised in Richland County stays in Richland County to help families affected by Autism,” said Melching.
Supporters from all walks of life showed up to walk for pledges or to donate money raised at fundraisers in support of the cause. Nine-year-old Ethan Owens from Mansfield showed up ready to walk and with a gift in hand, $120 he raised to support Autism research and treatment. “I wanted to help so I asked my grandma and grandpa and people at church to help me raise money for the kids,”said Owens.
The Clear Fork High School girls volleyball team brought tears to Melchers eyes as they presented over $700 in donations raised by the team. Varsity Volleyball Coach Nikki Traxler commented on how proud and grateful she was for the efforts of the team to support Autism.
Traxler’s daughter Maddie is affected by Autism so the show of support by her girls team really hit home. The team raised approximately $400 when they collected donations by having a “Sweatpants Day” organized by Macey Ruhl and a “Stall Day” where classes were ‘stalled’ so that teachers could count donations that poured in from students and parents. Another $300 was raised by the team selling mini volleyballs and from a corn hole contest.
Tim Barnett, Agent for Western & Southern Life said,”We are dedicated to giving back and becoming more community focused, there are a lot of people touched by Autism in one way or another and we are glad to be a part of todays event.”
Walk-a-thon supporter Tammy Armstrong of Mansfield believes there is a need for education and awareness. Armstrong is a Behavior Technician and works with Autistic children on a therapeutic level.
“It’s important to create an awareness and support for the families and to educate people on what Autism is about,” said Armstrong.
The first fifty participants who pre-registered and paid the $10 donation by September 1 received a free Autism Awareness Walk-a-thon t-shirt.
A fifty/fifty raffle was held at the event, tickets were $1 each or six for $5. Prizes included gift cards from local business such as; $100 gift card from Portrait Innovations, a one hour boat rental from Charles Mill Marina, Washington Carpet One donated an Ohio State Rug, O’Charley’s donated two $10 gift cards, Sky Zone donated two one hour jump times and additional gift cards were also donated by Mansfield YMCA, Swan Cleaners, Texas Roadhouse, Little Buckeye Childrens Museum and Two Cousins Pizza.
Information tables, food, arts and crafts, a bounce house, face painting, photos and a Kids Party Dude all rounded out a day of fun and family support.
Melching added that anyone interested in donating but who may not have been able to attend the walk may make a donation towards the cause at any local Richland Bank.
Melching looks forward to next year’s event and believes that each step taken towards raising awareness for Autism will be greatly appreciated by the families and loved ones affected.
For more information on Autism or how to become involved for the cause you are encouraged to contact Debbie at 419-589-8762 or email her at aawdeb@yahoo.com.
“All the money raised in Richland County stays in Richland County to help families affected by Autism,” said Debbie Melching.
