Rally For Autism Set for April 30th

By: Pat Riley

We are excited to announce the 15th annual autism awareness event that was recently renamed the Ruth Sullivan Rally for Autism® to honor Ruth Christ Sullivan, Ph.D., for her lifelong work in autism, especially for the founding of the three entities that provide services to the local autism community — Autism Services Center, The WV Autism Training Center and the Autism Society River Cities.  

The Ruth Sullivan Rally for Autism® is one of the fastest growing events in the tri-state area and features the Seaton & Moira Taylor 5K Walk, sponsored by Campbell Woods, PLLC, a 5K timed run and 2 bike tours – a 40K and (new this year) a 10 K Leisure Bike Tour.  The event is completely staffed by volunteers and 100% of the net proceeds are shared equally by the three agencies listed above and remain in our local tri-state area.  The number of the registered participants has grown from 220 the first year to 1244 in 2015 – year 14.  Online registration and additional details about the event may be found at www.RallyforAutism.org. Those unable to attend who wish to contribute may also make donations through the website.

In addition to the athletic events this year, the Ruth Sullivan Rally for Autism® will feature a special guest, Michael Tolleson, a very talented Savant Artist who will share how his life has been changed through his Aspegers and art.  He has painted more than 700 paintings over  the past four or five years since being diagnosed Michael will paint live and his art work will be auctioned as well as a special painting with a Marshall University theme that will be done live at Ritter Park during the rally.  This piece of original art will be raffled off at the end of the rally.  Raffle tickets will be sold at various events and locations (including at the park on Rally Day) during April – Autism Awareness Month. You do not have to be present to win.  We hope everyone will take advantage of this unique opportunity and watch a gifted artist create an original piece of art before your very eyes.