May 31, 2013
Mike Ciavolino, Co-Chair of the 2013 Jersey Shore Walk for Autism Speaks is thanked by Club President-Elect, Mika Hon.
Al Peskoe led the Pledge of Allegiance
Paul Peacock gave the Invocation
Pres. Elect Mika Hon chaired the meeting
Pres. Elect Mika welcomed guest, Amy Stern of the New City, NY Rotary Club and her guest Ellen Feit to the meeting.
Announcements:
Congratulation to Brian & Julie Berry who will be welcoming a new baby today.
The Club will be holding food drives outside Fine Fare Supermarket on 6/8 and 6/15. Club members should continue to bring non-perishable food to our weekly meetings through June 28th. The food drive for this year will be ending June 30th with a donation to Rev. Al’s Church of The Reformation in West Long Branch.
Speaker: Long Branch Rotarian Michael Ciavolino
The Jersey Shore Walk for Autism Speaks returns to Long Branch in September.
For the 8th consecutive year, the Jersey Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks will be bringing its nearly 5,000 walkers, runners, spectators, volunteers and advocates to the Boardwalk here in Long Branch. The walk will be held on September 28th and for the 3rd consecutive year, be preceded by the “5K Run Before The Walk.”
Mike Ciavolino, Rotarian and Co-Chair of the 2013 Walk spoke to the Club about the critical issues presented by Autism and need for additional local business involvement in this year’s walk.
“Autism affects 1 in 88 children, 1 in 54 boys,” said Ciavolino. “In New Jersey, Autism affects 1 in 49 children, 1 in 29 are boys. More children are affected by Autism than diabetes, AIDS, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy or Down Syndrome combined. And yet, Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases. And obviously what do those statistics tell us about costs associated with autism? The costs on all of us as a society are crippling.” As of now, there is no medical detection or cure for Autism.
The Jersey Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks is part of the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum and local businesses and companies that employ those on the spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.
On Thursday July 11th, the NJ Shore Walk Kick Off Reception will be held at McCloone’s Pier Village at 6pm.
Lex Tucci suggested that the focus for Pres. Mika’s 2013-2014 term could be Autism Speaks.
For more information on the Kick Off Dinner or corporate sponsorships, starting a team or getting involved, contact: NJShore@autismspeaks.org
Guest Amy Stern won the 50/50