The Ponte Vedra Beach-based HEAL (Helping Enrich Autistic Lives) Foundation will bring local families together on Sunday, April 28, for the 11th annual HEAL Autism Walk at the Zoo.
The event is a fun-filled day of zoo animals, music and activities. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Proceeds from the event will support the autism community through grants to local schools, programs, camps and educators in support of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Following the walk, the HEAL After Party will take place on the Great Lawn. Jordan Price (emcee) and DJ MoneyGud from POWER 106.1 will host the After Party, which will feature music, bounce houses, face painting and a rock-climbing wall. The 2018 walk attracted 2,200 participants and raised over $55,000.
HEAL has gifted over $2 million in grants to local camps, support groups, seminars, organizations and schools that serve those with autism. After witnessing the progress students with autism are making with iPads, HEAL has gifted 400 iPads to local Exceptional Student Education (ESE) classrooms through the iHEAL - iPads Helping Enrich Autistic Lives initiative. HEAL’s next initiative is to gift five all abilities parks to ensure people of all abilities are able to play, learn, socialize and have fun in the community.
