Registration is now open for the HEAL for the First Coast Zoo Walk for Autism.
To be held Sunday April 24 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the walk will raise funds to benefit autism programs and education across the First Coast.
Day-of-event registration will open at 7:30 a.m., with the Zoo Walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. Following the walk, First Coast News Anchor Patty Crosby will host “Party with Patty” on the Great Lawn. Children’s events will include bouncy houses, face painting, music and more. First Coast News host Nick Loren will also be on hand to introduce his children’s book series, “Farful Foolong of Oolong Panshoo.”
The top four fundraising teams will win a prize, and may also designate a school, camp or program to receive funds from HEAL. The first place team will receive $1,000, second place $750, third place $500 and fourth place $250. The selected organization or school must fall under the HEAL grant guidelines directly helping those with autism in our community.
More than 1,500 walkers participated in last year’s Zoo Walk, raising more than $60,000 for autism programs.
To register online, visit www.healautismnow.org.
The HEAL Foundation (Healing Every Autistic Life) is a Northeast Florida-based non-profit organization that serves individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorders. The foundation serves as an outreach organization, providing educational programs and camps tailored to the needs of the autism community.
In the past five years, HEAL has awarded more than $1 million to support camps, classroom enhancements and education seminars as well as recreational and social events for families.
