By Dan Eakin Star Local News
Saturday was a busy, exciting day at Andy Brown Park East in Coppell as about 200 people came to the park to take part in the eighth annual Walkabout for Autism, sponsored by the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children in Irving [Texas].
“It was a huge success,” said Carley Waltenburg, assistant director. “During the walk, they were provided with information about autism, AGA and the Brent Woodall Foundation (BWF). This was a wonderful time to reflect on the mission of the BWF and the children we support.”
He said both children and adults participated in the Velocity Fitness Challenge, and winners were named at each fitness station. All children who participated received prizes.
“The kids’ zone was very busy this year,” said Waltenburg. “A lot of kids got their faces painted and added their hand prints to the Woodallkids Banner. This year, we added the Project Green Arts and Crafts to our Kids Zone. This station allowed the kids to transform their empty juice boxes and chip bags into robots and bracelets.”
Entry fee for the event was $25 for adults and $10 for children. Also, many who attended made donations above the entry fee.
“Overall, it was a huge success,” said Waltenburg. “We were able to raise money and educate the community about autism and our mission. One hundred percent of the monies raised goes to support the programs provided by the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children.”
He added, “We would like to thank all the people who came out to support us, sponsored our kids and donated to our event.”
People of all ages and abilities participated in the fundraiser event.
Personal trainers from Velocity guided adult and child participants through various physical challenges at different stations along the Walkabout trail and prizes were offered.
The event also featured a kid zone, with a bounce house, bike rodeo, face painting and other activities. Assistant therapists were on hand to assist children.
The event was made possible through the contributions of several businesses and individuals in the area. Almost all materials used at the event, from raffle prizes to the bounce house to the ice for drinks were donated for the Walkabout.
