(WJET\/WFXP)\u2013 A date has been set for Erie\u2019s 25th annual Walk for Autism, with all proceeds from the event staying within the area to benefit local groups and programs.<\/p>\n
Erie\u2019s Walk for Autism is set for Saturday, April 25, at Lake Erie Speedway, stepping off at 11 am and registration opening online or at 9:30 am on the day of the walk.<\/p>\n
Local groups expand support, resources for Autism Acceptance Month <\/a><\/p>\n With this being the walk\u2019s silver anniversary, this year\u2019s Walk Chair Family are the ones who started it all in the Fox Family, who founded Erie\u2019s walk in 2001 and have worked for over two decades with the Autism Society NWPA to build support, maintain meaningful relationships with and create a community for families affected by autism.<\/p>\n \u201cChairing the 2026 Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania\u2019s Walk for Autism will mark a special milestone for the Fox Family: 25 consecutive years of participating in the Walk for Autism. In 2001, when their oldest son, Donovan, was diagnosed with autism, Kate and John discovered that there were no local community events to support individuals with autism and their families. The family traveled to Pittsburgh to participate in a walk event. It inspired Kate to bring a Walk event to Erie. The following year, with John\u2019s support and the efforts of several fellow autism families, ASNWPA\u2019s premiere fundraising event was launched. Initially, the event\u2019s aim was to raise awareness of autism. Twenty-five years later, AANWPA is now focused on increasing acceptance of autism throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania,\u201d the family said in part.<\/p>\n In addition to the walk, attendees can also enjoy a kids\u2019 exploration zone complete with activities and bounce houses to go with some good eats from local food trucks, basket raffles and other local vendors and community resource tables.<\/p>\n US Forest Service tabs Warren, PA as site of new regional headquarters <\/a><\/p>\n They\u2019ll also be welcoming some special guests, some local and others from a long time ago and far, far away in C. Wolf, Blue Heeler, Orange Heeler, Perry the Penguin, and the Starkiller Garrison, also known as the 501st Legion.<\/p>\n Organizers said all of the proceeds from the event will go directly to funding programs, including sensory-friendly community outings, the LEGO Club, therapeutic and family support services, and parent support and education.<\/p>\n To learn more, donate or register for the big day, call 814-455-3540 or click here.<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n