MIAMI DOLPHINS HALL OF FAME QUARTERBACK, DAN MARINO TO HOST THE 7th ANNUAL DAN MARINO FOUNDATION WALKABOUT AUTISM & EXPO, BROUGHT TO YOU BY WALGREENS, PRESENTED BY BADIA SPICES
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December 12, 2016
MIAMI DOLPHINS HALL OF FAME QUARTERBACK, DAN MARINO TO HOST THE 7th ANNUAL DAN MARINO FOUNDATION WALKABOUT AUTISM & EXPO, BROUGHT TO YOU BY WALGREENS, PRESENTED BY BADIA SPICES
MIAMI, FLORIDA – Momentum is building in the autism community for the much-anticipated 7th Annual Dan Marino Foundation (DMF) WalkAbout Autism & Expo, brought to you by Walgreens, presented by Badia Spices. On Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Dan Marino, the Marino Family and The Dan Marino Foundation will once again transform Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, into a magical place where family, friends and loved ones will create memories that will last a lifetime.
The annual DMF WalkAbout Autism & Expo started in 2010 by The Dan Marino Foundation provides a powerful and inspiring platform for South Floridians to come together as a community in an effort to promote awareness, raise funds for innovative initiatives and advocate for the needs of people living with autism. Each year this epic event gathers close to 20,000 participants who walk together with an ultimate pursuit of inspiring the world to embrace autism acceptance.
The event has raised more than $3 million through the generous support of participants, donors, school, corporate and non-profit teams, as well as corporate sponsors. This year’s participating corporate sponsors include: Walgreens, Badia Spices, the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, CenterPlate, Publix Super Markets, South Florida Ford, Greenspoon Marder, Chase, Panera Bread, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, UPS, Nova Southeastern University and PepsiCo to name a few. As well as the Foundation’s media partners Comcast, Clear Channel Outdoor, iHeartMedia, Sun Sentinel Society Scene, Autism Notebook and Lifestyle Magazine.
Each year the Foundation strives to create an exceptional experience for the whole family to enjoy. Current and alumni Miami Dolphins players, cheerleaders, celebrities, elected officials, schools and families all come together for a day of family fun for everyone. The DMF WalkAbout starts with a community friendly carnival-like celebration, followed by a walk that is led by Marino Campus students and members of the autism community who rally together to encourage awareness. After the walk participants will enjoy a resource Expo, compliments of South Florida Ford with more than thirty exhibitors and vendors, as well as musical entertainment from local school bands. Kids will have the opportunity to enjoy countless interactive activities in the children’s corner. There will be several booths focused on health and fitness compliments of Walgreens. Festivities also include the Publix Hospitality Village featuring a delicious food and beverage sampling extravaganza compliments of Badia Spices, PepsiCo, CenterPlate and The Produce Connection.
“Claire and I look forward to the walk every year, coming together to celebrate with our community. Everyone from the sponsors to the walk teams made up of schools, companies and individuals make this event one of a kind. By working together to raise awareness, the WalkAbout Autism creates a fun day at Hard Rock Stadium for everyone to enjoy,” said Dan Marino, Chairman of The Dan Marino Foundation.
The Dan Marino Foundation is grateful to all who support this special day. Proceeds raised through the DMF WalkAbout Autism & Expo stay in our local community and help fund The Dan Marino Foundation’s initiatives such as Marino Campus in Fort Lauderdale, and at FIU in Miami-Dade. The event also benefits autism programs and services in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County Schools, as well as non-profit autism service providers who participate with WalkAbout Teams. Last year our Top Three Fundraising School Teams included Cypress Bay High School, Blue Lake K-8, and Sandpiper Shores Elementary.
There are many ways to participate in the 7th Annual #DMFWalk and become an autism champion. You can start a walk team in honor of a loved one living with autism, fundraise for your school or non-profit autism program, become a corporate sponsor, or register for the Expo. In addition, there are volunteer opportunities available for anyone who is interested in getting involved. For more information on ways to participate, please visit dmfwalkaboutautism.org.
About The Dan Marino Foundation: The Dan Marino Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) 3 organization was established by Dan and Claire Marino, motivated by their experiences in raising their son, Michael, who is diagnosed with autism. For over 25years, the Foundation has been a leader in innovation and change, “empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.” The Foundation has raised more than $53 million to create unique and impactful initiatives in the community. Among these first-of-their-kind initiatives are the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Outpatient Center, the Marino Autism Research Institute, Marino Adapted Aquatics, Summer STEPS Employment Programs, Virtual Interactive Training Agent Program (ViTA DMF), and now post-secondary programs at both Marino Campus in Broward and at FIU in Miami-Dade. For more information, please visit danmarinofoundation.org or marinocampus.org or vitadmf.org.
