Date: September 24, 2024
Contact: John Bysiewicz, (203) 710-2391
Record Crowd Expected for Benhaven Walk for Autism
at a New Location
NEW HAVEN, CT: The Benhaven Walk for Autism takes place on Sunday, October 13th, at a new scenic location: Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. Over 500 walkers are expected to participate. This year’s event honors the legacy of Larry Wood, Benhaven’s executive director from 1987 to 2016, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 78.
Larry Wood was a remarkable figure at Benhaven, famously saying he had held every position at the school except for school nurse. He dedicated his life to envisioning a brighter future for individuals with autism and their families. Even after retirement, Larry made it a point to visit the school every afternoon to lend a helping hand, mentor staff, and engage with everyone he met. His passion for growth and community impact left a lasting mark on Benhaven.
This year’s event features a 2-mile walk, carousel rides on the country’s oldest working carousel, raffles, a pizza truck, lawn games, bubbles, refreshments, and more. WTNH’s personalities Sarah Cody and Joe Furey will be on hand to meet walkers. Cody is announcing the event, and Furey will be there with the Mobile Weather Lab.
Organizers anticipate that 500 walkers will help raise over $70,000. Proceeds from the event benefit Benhaven, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with autism and related developmental disabilities. Benhaven’s mission is to empower these individuals to engage in community life, exercise control over their lives, foster meaningful relationships, secure employment, and experience joy and personal fulfillment.
Walkers are encouraged to fundraise for Benhaven. For more information on donating or fundraising, please email jody@jbsports.com or call (203) 481-5933. Additionally, for those unable to attend in person, a virtual walk option is available. To learn more, please visit www.jbsports.com.
The event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including the W. Daniel Rosenberg Family, the Talavera/Blazi Family on behalf of Chris Blazi, Rose & Kiernan, Inc., Protected Harbor, Mutual of America, Advanced Periodontics, All Waste, Inc., A-Team Plumbing & Drain, Advanced Staffing Associates, ASRC, AMR, Beacon Communities, BIPTrack, Marino, Zabel & Schellenberg, PLLC, Pro Cleaning Equipment & Supplies, Hancock Pharmacy, Baybrook Remodelers, Inc., Crosswinds Consulting, Checkwriters, Connex, CT Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Diversified Building Services, Executive Honda, JMR Staffing, Letizia, Ambrose & Falls, P.C., Lesser Evil, Northeast Generator, Petro Home Services, Precision Auto, Inc., Precision Glass & Mirror, Raymond James, RE/MAX Alliance, Yale New Haven Health, Yale Child Study Center, East Coast Mechanical, Inc., and Webster Bank.
Join us in celebrating Larry Wood’s legacy and supporting a great cause at the Benhaven Walk for Autism. Click HERE to register.