Annual event raises funds for summer programs

Participants in Saturday’s Stepping Out for Austin Walk welcomed and basked in a bright and sunny morning, perhaps a reflection on the future as much as anything else.

About 200 people showed up for Saturday’s walk to raise funds that go toward the summer camps the Hormel Historic Home runs for autistic children. In its third year, the walk raised roughly $6,000, which is about $1,000 more than last year. The walk, which started out from Bandshell Park and moved along the Cedar River, had activities along the way, but more than anything had hope.

“It’s just raising awareness for autism,” Hormel Historic Home Executive Director Holly Johnson said. “Our camps are helping kids move to the next level.”

Awareness is an important step. Often misunderstood by those who don’t understand the disorder, events like Saturday’s walk help bridge that gap.

But the other aspect, the fundraising aspect is just as important, especially with camps held by the HHH. People from all over showed up to support the walk, including Holly Wasko, a former Austin resident now living in Washington state.

Wasko, whose husband is Army Ssg. Kyle Wasko, serving at Fort. Lewis in Washington, gave birth to twins — Ashton and Landon. Both were diagnosed with autism at 18 months.

“It means a lot to support something like this,” she said. “The money stays to support local children.”

The fundraising means a lot more when compared to some of the numbers associated to raising a child with autism.

“On average, for one year, to raise a child with autism costs $60,000,” Wasko said. “And not all insurance companies pay.”

Wasko’s group consisted of 35 walkers, and their demeanor was as bright as the day. Again, it all seems to wrap back to hope.

“I really hope to raise awareness,” Wasko said. “A lot of people don’t understand autism. They simply don’t know.”