About the Cause
All Lacrosse Apparel sales benefit ROAR for Autism: a community wide effort created to raise awareness and funds in support of autism research initiatives.
Through special events, educational programs, and partnerships, ROAR for Autism raises awareness and funds supporting autism research initiatives at Kennedy Krieger Institute. The Institute is a nationally recognized leader in the study, understanding, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders which affect 1 in every 110 children in the U.S. To learn more about Autism Initiatives at Kennedy Krieger visit www.autism.kennedykrieger.org.
Through its Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger offers innovative diagnostic and treatment services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our interdisciplinary team of clinicians and therapists employ the latest in treatment approaches, proven in scientific studies at the Institute and research centers around the world. We are also helping to drive forward the understanding and treatment of autism spectrum disorders through our participation in the Autism Treatment Network and our unique work with the Interactive Autism Network, an innovative online project designed to accelerate the pace of autism research by linking researchers and those affected by autism spectrum disorders.
ROAR for Autism educational programs target both the scientific and parental communities. The ROAR for Autism Distinguished Lecture series provides two presentations aimed at each specific group regarding a topic surrounding autism. Community partnerships for ROAR for Autism are varied and have included collaborations such as merchandise/apparel, a Baltimore City and Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue” campaign, and local restaurant dining deals.
The signature event of the ROAR for Autism initiatives, though, is the annual fundraiser featuring a bike ride, nature walk, and family festival which, since its inception in 2005, has raised more than $1 million for autism research at the Institute. Currently held at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Md., participants have the option of riding a 50-mile, 25-mile, 10-mile, 5-mile, or low mileage youth ride. Additionally, there are various scenic nature trails throughout the park. In recent years, the event has grown to include a family festival with activities for the whole family including carnival games, musical entertainment, refreshments and one of the area’s most impressive playgrounds. Participants can also help to raise funds online by creating personal fundraising pages, forming teams, posting stories and pictures, and using email and social media to connect with friends and family to help them reach their fundraising goals.
For more information on ROAR for Autism’s annual bike ride, nature walk, and family festival fundraiser, please visit www.ROAR.kennedykrieger.org.
