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Summit Center's Autism Walk going virtual

Posted at 11:12 AM, May 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-21 12:50:51-04

AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — In the age of COVID-19 many events are being re-imagined and going virtual. The Summit Center in Amherst is one such organization. The local non-profit is asking Western New Yorkers to walk 54 minutes between June 1-6 to support the one in every 54 children living with Autism.

The annual Summit Center Autism Walk is typically held the last weekend of April but was forced to go virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of gathering together at The Summit Center, participants are asked to walk in their own neighborhoods, local parks, or a place they’ve always wanted to visit.

“Like many other organizations, we’ve been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stephen R. Anderson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of The Summit Center. “We’re hopeful that the community will rally around this re-imagined event in support of the children and families we serve. Throughout the pandemic, The Summit Center has continued to provide educational and teletherapy services to the more than 300 students who attend its school, Summit Academy. In addition, the organization has offered daily ‘virtual’ sessions to adults in its S.T.E.P.S. day habilitation program by providing music, yoga, and other interactive opportunities.”

The Summit Center’s Autism Walk is the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. To get involved or to learn more, click here.