Residents raise $80K to fight autism at inaugural 5K walk

More than 700 Las Vegas area families came together at the Star Nursery Field outside Sam Boyd Stadium on May 13 to participate in the inaugural Walk Now Las Vegas in the spring heat.

Dozens of walkers were there to raise awareness of autism as well as $80,000 toward research into the condition. More than $9,000 was turned in that day.

"Thank you so much to those who walked, volunteered and donated," said Anna Heimbuch, a representative of Cure Autism Now.

"We were very happy with it for a first-year event," said Charles Napier, who led the volunteer committee that organized the event. He said as much as $100,000 might be raised in the end.

He said next year's event would probably be held during the fall and very likely at a different location.

"It was definitely too hot out there," Napier said. "We might do the next one at Sunset Park or some other place like that."

Despite the heat, Napier said he knew of no problems that required medical treatment. The band Love Train provided musical accompaniment, and water hoses from the Las Vegas Fire Department helped ensure the participants' comfort as they walked 5 kilometers to raise funds.

Booths were lined up along one side of the field, with companies such as Michael's Arts and Crafts and YTB Travel joining with groups like Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Southern Nevada and Nevada Early Intervention Services to raise public awareness of the need for continued study into a possible cure for the condition.

About one of every 166 children born will be affected by the neuro-developmental disorder, according to Cure Autism Now. It is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interactions and repetitive types of behavior, among other things.

Washington Capitals goal tender Olie Kolzig and former Boston Bruins and Atlanta Thrashers goalie Byron Dafoe opened the event with the help of the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard, while presenting sponsor Chevrolet raffled off mini-Corvettes to participants.

"With the help of our amazing volunteers," said Heimbuch, "the day ran smoothly."