National Foundation for Autism Research Hosts 6th Annual Race for Autism & Resource Fair March 27

    SAN DIEGO, CA, March 18, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR), a San Diego based non-profit founded by parents of a son with autism (Juan and Sharon Leon) celebrates the 6th annual Race for Autism on Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Balboa Park, San Diego.

The race serves as a "march to awareness" for April's Autism Awareness Month and raises money for the development of innovative treatment programs, educational support & materials, research & services to provide a positive, immediate impact on San Diego children and families living with autism.

Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with autism. It's more prevalent than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes & down syndrome COMBINED.

- Funding for NFAR's two annual grant programs --Pilot Project / Community Program Grants and San Diego Autism Teachers Grants-- is provided entirely from the proceeds of the Race.
- Since 2005, NFAR has awarded more than 30 Pilot Project / Community Program grants, as well as 156 Autism Teachers grants for educational programs that improve the learning environment for children with autism.
- NFAR has already raised almost a half million dollars in grant funding. Last year, NFAR received a record number of grant applications and awarded nearly $100,000 in support to eight local organizations and 35 classrooms.

Registration: Online registration closes March 25 for the 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Family Fun Walk. Participants can also register on-site the day of the event. To make a difference without leaving the house, sign up to Race From Home and we'll mail you an official Race t-shirt and bib!

The Event: At the Race, NFAR also hosts an informative resource fair, children's activities, music, refreshments and raffles. Prizes (including Alaska Air and Southwest Airlines travel packages) will be awarded for the Race's top fundraisers & largest teams.

We're on Facebook & you can find us on Twitter: @NatlFdn4Autism

About the National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR)
NFAR was founded in December 2003 in response to the growing epidemic of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). NFAR's mission is to promote the development of innovative treatment programs and options that improve the quality of life for those living with autism. Through its grant programs, NFAR makes an immediate impact on the lives of children with autism in San Diego county. Since 2005, NFAR has awarded more than a quarter million dollars throughout the San Diego community for pilot and research grants and educational programs, positively impacting the learning environment for over a thousand children with autism in San Diego. NFAR's main fundraising event, the San Diego Race for Autism, will be held March 27, 2010 in Balboa Park in advance of National Autism Awareness Month in April. www.RaceForAutism.org and www.NFAR.org

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