Race, dinner emphasize autism awareness

By M. Patricia Titus
Staff Reporter

Volunteers, athletes and concerned citizens will come together this weekend to raise money to support local autism programs and bring public awareness for the nationally-observed Autism Awareness Day, set for April 29.

Locally, the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation (LDAF) — founded in 2001 to support Sussex County’s burgeoning autistic population — is one of the main routes of awareness and support for those suffering from the disorder and their families.

According to the LDAF, “Autism is a neurological disorder without a cure, one that leaves our children with pervasive and lifelong disabilities.” Those disabilities range from mild to severe, showing up most commonly in developmental delays that include speech issues, as well as in social difficulties and withdrawal, sensitivity to sights, sounds and other sensory input, and difficulties learning basic life skills.

“But we are not without hope, not without faith, and not without a promise of a better life for those who are afflicted. It is with this spirit that the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation has its origins,” the group declares on its Web site.

“Our mission is to provide individuals with autism in lower Delaware the opportunity to achieve meaningful and productive lives through fund raising, increasing public awareness, programs, advocacy and other activities,” the site notes.

Thus, one of the events upon which the group focuses each year is the Race for Autism, which this year is set for Sunday, April 30. It will start off at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes. The 2006 edition — the fourth annual running — of the race is named for LDAF and sponsors SunTrust Mortgage.

“Along with our new Race for Autism sponsor, SunTrust Mortgage, LDAF is planning to make the 4th Annual Race for Autism the biggest and best one yet,” LDAF representatives said.”

Athletes gather sponsors to help them raise funds for the LDAF, and they’ll race in events including a half-marathon (13.1 miles) on a scenic and flat course through historic Lewes, a 5-kilometer run and a one-mile walk.

“Entertainment along the half-marathon course will keep you smiling even at mile 9,” organizers declared.

Those who aren’t ready for a half marathon quite yet might consider the LDAF’s new two-person team relay, with each team member running half of a half-marathon. One person runs 6.3 miles and the other person runs 6.8 miles. Teams can be made up of friends, relatives or co-workers, organizers suggested. Awards will be given for male teams, female teams and mixed teams.

Organizers noted that future half-marathoners have been clamoring for their own event, so this year, Lewes Pediatrics and Adolescent Center is sponsoring the new Kiddie K. It’s a .62-mile run on the Cape Henlopen track and bus circle, providing a safe course for children through age 12. All finishers will get a Kiddie K medal.

The new event will lead off race day at 8 a.m., and the other race participants will be in a queue cheering on the kids. Lewes Mayor Jim Ford will start the race. And volunteers are being recruited to support the racers along the race course and at the high school.

On race day, the public is also invited to come out and enjoy running, walking or just watching. DJ Just Kidding Around Entertainment will be there again this year to keep the post-race party going, organizers noted.

Pre-registration for the race will continue Saturday, April 29, at the traditional pre-race pasta dinner, offering both an opportunity for athletes to carb-up prior to their runs and for the LDAF to raise additional funds to support autism programs in the area.

The 4th Annual Race for Autism Pasta Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Cape Henlopen High School Cafeteria in Lewes. The pasta dinner is being provided by Casa DiLeo’s Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach and desserts by Touch of Italy Bake Shop in Millville.

The evening will feature music by Prairie Dawg, with raffle prizes and on-site registration for the LDAF/SunTrust Mortgage Race for Autism on Sunday. Tickets for the dinner cost $8 per adult, $4 per child under 12. (Special Olympics athletes and Delaware Autism Program students are admitted free of charge.)

Volunteers are being asked to assist with the dinner as well, offering the opportunity for the community to support Sussex County’s individuals with autism with more than just their running feet.

For the athletes running or walking on Sunday, the dinner offers an opportunity pick up a race goodie bag. And even those who are not running or walking can come to the dinner to have an evening out and support autism, organizers noted.

In addition to helping the cause, organizers noted that race participants can win prizes including weekend trips to Key West, Atlantic City’s new Boragota Hotel & Casino, and Cape May, N.J. Other prizes include gift certificates, Nike watches and a Race for Autism bag.

“Just ask a few people to sponsor you and you’ll be surprised how much it adds up,” they emphasized.

Registration is not only available at the Saturday dinner but online at the LDAF Web site, at www.ldaf.com/Events/2006race.html, where visitors will find a sponsorship sheet and an online registration option, as well as race-course maps, directions to Cape Henlopen High School, video of last year’s race, and more information on the events, LDAF and autism itself.

For more information on the race or to volunteer, call Charlotte Herbert at (302) 644-3410.