News & Updates

We can’t wait to see you at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, September 21, 2024, for the Northern New Jersey Autism Speaks Walk.

Here are a few things we want you to know: Please share this information with your teammates and supporters.

The Autism Speaks Walk is a FREE event; however, the Walk is our largest fundraising event. We ask participants to fundraise or donate to help fuel our mission and achieve our goal.

Venue:

Meadowlands Racetrack

1 Racetrack Drive

East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Site Map/Walk Route:

Arrive Early! 

Registration and our Resource/Sponsor Area open at 9:00 a.m. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Walk immediately following. The Walk is about a mile long and is along the racetrack. Strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons are permitted. We Walk rain or shine!

Parking:

Participants are encouraged to park in the Meadowlands parking lot. The event entrance will be off to the side of the Fanduel Sportsbook Clubhouse. There will be signs posted to direct you to our reserved parking lot. There will also be street parking available.

Check-In/Registration: 

Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. Donations will be collected at registration. All participants need to check-in at Registration.

You can register online up until Walk day. Participants who register the day before the Walk and on Walk Day may not show up on the registration reports printed for check-in. If registering the day of Walk, look for the onsite registration area to complete the registration form. Donation forms will be available.

Donations:

 If you have money to turn in on Walk Day, please turn it in at Registration. All cash and check donations collected to date should be turned in at the Walk. The Donation Forms with your supporter ID can also be printed from each pre-registered participant’s individual webpage and taken to Registration. Please mail all donations to:

Donations Processing Center

Autism Speaks – Northern New Jersey Walk

P.O. Box 37148

Boone, IA 50037-0148

Please make sure your name or team name are included with the donation, so we know who to credit.

T-Shirts:

All walkers who INDIVIDUALLY COLLECT $150 or more receive an official 2024 Northern New Jersey Autism Speaks Walk t-shirt. All participants who raise $150 or more can pick up their t-shirt at the t-shirt tent.

Grand Club: 

All walkers who INDIVIDUALLY RAISE $1,000 or more receive our grand club pin and a special gift. All participants who raise $1,000 or more can pick up their grand club prize at the Grand Club tent.

Snacks and Refreshments:

Visit the Refreshments tent for pre-packaged snacks and water (while supplies last).

Sponsor Area:

 We have local service providers, members of the local autism community, and corporate companies registered to participate in our Sponsor Area, sharing information about their services and programs, and providing fun activities for children of all ages. The Sponsor and Resource Area will open at 9:00 a.m. and is located near the stage area.

Stop by each of these areas to connect with our local sponsors and to gather topic specific resources!

Safety:

There will be volunteers and police making sure everyone who participates in the Walk is safe and secure, but we also ask each adult to help us ensure the safety of all children and individuals who may need additional supervision. Please do not leave children alone at any of the activities, food areas, etc.

Lost Child: 

In the event you find a lost child or a parent looking for a child, stay with that parent or child, and take him/her to the Registration table. Autism Speaks staff and onsite security will be notified from there.

Inclement Weather: 

We walk RAIN or SHINE! Please come prepared for any type of weather – bring your rain gear or sunglasses and sunscreen (let’s hope for the latter).

We are looking forward to seeing all of you on Saturday, September 21, 2024!

Questions? Please contact us at 856-383-0148 or NewJersey@AutismSpeaks.org