22nd Annual Walk for Autism 2023 to occur on April 29

By Bella Lee Staff writer

April is Autism Acceptance Month, so Mercyhurst is continuing their support to the cause by participating in the Walk for Autism on April 29.

Taking place at the Lake Erie Speedway, this is the 22nd annual event and is hosted by the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania.

This is an important event for both AIM and Autism Society NWPA, as this is the largest event of the year for the latter.

According to the Autism Society Northweatern Pennsylvania website, “The Walk gives us the ability to provide support throughout the year including our Family Sensory & Social Outings, Family Support Activities and Education, and Therapeutic programming across the lifespan,” says the official description. “We are excited to be hosting our Annual Walk for Autism in 2023 this annual empowering, fun, family event! We are asking YOU and your fellow community members to register, donate, and join us on April 29, 2023, to make this the BEST Walk ever.”

A two-mile walk is held to increase awareness of Autism, fund programming, and activities for individuals with Autism in our community. 100% of the proceeds stay in the local area.

If you were able to pre-register prior to April 1, you had the opportunity, depending on how much you gave, you were able to also receive a commemorative t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, or hoodie.

The Autism Society has been around for 58 years, working to connect people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming.

Their mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

Their vision involves creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.

The organization believes in five values: dignity (where the value and self-determination of every individual is upheld), equity (where everyone with autism achieves the highest possible quality of life), inclusion (where every person is integrated into society without barriers or exceptions in a collaborative environment), diversity (where everyone is respected for their unique and individual differences), and integrity (where we conduct ourselves with honor, truth, and respect in our thoughts, words, and actions).

There are affiliates in 33 U.S. states as well as Washington DC.

Alongside the walk will be fun events and other commodities such as food trucks, complimentary coffee and hot chocolate.

Although there are events planned for Autism Acceptance Month all throughout April, participating in the Walk for Autism is one great way to show support, so be sure to attend if you’re able to!

Keep your eye out for the various events that are happening both on campus and in the Erie Community to show your support to the Autism community.

Please help end the stigma around those on the spectrum.

Laker Moment

Drag Queen Bingo

On Friday, April 14, 2023, MAC/SAC hosted drag bingo. Erie based drag queen, Alysin Wonderland hosted the popular event. Throughout the night multiple students won gifts ranging from gift cards, to squishmallows, to AirPods. Multiple rounds of bingo were played as traditional bingo and they decided to switch it up and so a more untraditional styles, such has doing a backwards L. As always, Alysin Wonderland looked fabulous and gave an incredible performance.