By Holly Johnson

Executive director, HHH

The Autism Programming Team at the Hormel Historic Home would like to thank all those who participated in the third Annual Stepping Out for Autism Walk on April 26. Nearly 200 people came together to raise the awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders. We had a fantastic day at Bandshell Community Park. Participants walked the 1.2 mile path then enjoyed lunch and entertainment by Koo Koo Kanga Roo, a fun family friendly rock band from the Twin Cities. More than $8,000 was raised and will stay in Austin to support the Autism Summer Camps sponsored by the Hormel Historic Home.

An extra special thank you goes to Team Wasko who raised more than $3,000 and had 34 walkers on their team. Thank you to all contributing businesses and individuals including: Austin Electric, Austin Park and Rec, Bollingberg Chiropractic, Cornerstone Financial Resources, Coffee House on Main, CRC, Family Video, Freeborn County Cooperative Oil, Games People Play, Hormel Foods, Hy-Vee, Kwik Trip, Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin, Minnesota Corrugated Box, Precision Signs, Professional Speech Services, Sassy Strawberry, Super Fresh Produce, Three B’s Restaurant.

Thank you to Erin Dilley-Jones, Lynsey Petersen, Jenni Harves, and Mary Barinka for helping to plan and to Austsin Daily Herald and KAAL for covering the event.