Sunday, February 24, 2008

There are two things just about everyone knows about New Orleans: One, the city suffered unprecedented devastation during Hurricane Katrina in 2005; and two, this city, perhaps more than any other in the U.S.A., knows how to have fun and put on a party. Both of these facts are on clear display at the Mardi Gras Marathon, scheduled for February 24, 2008.

OAR is excited to add the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon as an official race for 2008!

By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM - New Orleans Team, you are choosing to be a part of a group of committed individuals dedicated to participating in events to raise funds for autism research.

Why Run for Autism?

• Raise money for autism research - More than $.87 of every dollar you raise will directly fund research studies that help answer some of autism’s most pressing questions.
• Whether you are a runner, walker, donor or volunteer, your contribution makes you part of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team.
• In the end, you will have made a difference in the lives of thousands of families living with autism.

Autism is:

• a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact socially. There is no known cure, and it remains a lifelong challenge.
• more prevalent than Down Syndrome, childhood diabetes and childhood cancer combined
• estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 150 births and affect 1.7 million children and adults in the U.S. today

Research, like OAR-sponsored studies, is needed to find answers and provide practical solutions for those with autism today.

RUN FOR AUTISM Team Member Benefits:

• RUN FOR AUTISM t-shirt and runner's singlet (tank top)
• RUN FOR AUTISM Fundraising Guide
• A personal fundraising web page
• An online discussion forum for RUN FOR AUTISM runners

Fundraising:

OAR has no minimum fundraising requirement. OAR believes in a "Set Your Own Goal" fundraising philosophy. OAR's goals for 2008 are to have 1,000 marathon runners and raise more than $1,000,000. OAR's runners have historically averaged raising $1,500. Runners who raise $2,500 or more receive special recognition.

Registration

Registration for New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon is a two-step process:

1. Sign up for the RUN FOR AUTISM - America Team. There is no cost to you. To join the RUN FOR AUTISM - America Team, please visit www.firstgiving.com/oar.

2. Click here to register for the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon Event of your choice.