2008 Georgia Walk for Autism Supporters Gather in Atlanta for Kick-Off Dinner

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that about one in 150 American children is affected by autism. In Georgia, these statistics are one in 131. Autism is a developmental disability that is rising in prevalence with alarming speed. It is estimated that more than 10,000 children in the state of Georgia are affected by autism, a disorder of unknown origin that has no known cure. The Marcus Institute and Autism Speaks are joining forces to raise awareness of autism by hosting the 2008 Georgia Walk for Autism on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at Atlantic Station.

To kick off the event, leaders of corporate walk teams from throughout Georgia, honored guest speakers and more than 500 autism awareness supporters will gather for a kick-off dinner on Sunday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta. National philanthropists including Bernie & Billi Marcus, Mark Roithmayer of Autism Speaks, and Donna Lowry of WXIA-TV will speak to increase the passion and momentum for the 20,000 expected walkers dedicated raising more than to raise awareness and enthusiasm for the 2008 Georgia Walk for Autism. For more information on attending the kick-off dinner or how to participate in the 2008 Georgia Walk for Autism, please visit www.walknowforautism.org/georgia.

About the 2008 Georgia Walk for Autism

The 2008 Georgia Walk for Autism, set for April 12, 2008 in Atlantic Station, will benefit two organizations -- Autism Speaks and The Marcus Institute -- together dedicated to increasing awareness of the growing autism epidemic. Autism is a developmental disability that is rising in prevalence with alarming speed. It is estimated that 10,000 children in the state of Georgia are affected by autism, a disorder of unknown origin that has no known cure. The Walk for Autism is one of some 80 Walks held internationally, but the only one benefiting both research (Autism Speaks) and treatment (The Marcus Institute).

Each and every Walk for Autism participant, whether a co-chair, a committee member, a team captain, a walker or a donor, plays a critical role by championing the cause to advance and accelerate autism education, advocacy, awareness and research. For more information on participating in the 2008 Georgia Walk for Autism, please visit www.walknowforautism.org/georgia.
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