October 5, 2024 – 9am to Noon

Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD

Benefiting the Autism Society of Maryland

REGISTER  .  SPONSOR  .  DONATE  . VOLUNTEER

Each year, the Autism Society of Maryland’s (AUSOM’s) Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run brings together those touched by Autism and members of the wider community in a supportive, energizing, and fun environment. This year’s event continues that tradition, featuring a 5K run and a 4K walk around Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD, with the option of a more mellow 1K stroll. The event’s Title Sponsor is Pete Pappas & Sons and Olvia Dance of Fox 45 Baltimore returns as our emcee! All proceeds benefit the Autism Society, now serving communities in and around Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel Counties. 

Attendees can take in the family-friendly Event Village that includes inflatables, entertainment by roving performers, bubble and balloon artists, and costumed characters! Kids under 11 run or walk for free (registration required)! The 5K offers senior and non-binary categories plus great prizes for top teams and runners. Sponsors and community supporters will be recognized on-site and via social media as the event unfolds.  

Together, We Can Make a Difference! The collective goal is to raise $120,000 toward programs and services for a local Autism community! Funds help provide FREE information, resources, support, advocacy, social events, and educational opportunities. The Autism Society of Maryland has served over 8,000 Autistic individuals, their families, and community members, responding to 1000+ requests for information, referral, and special education guidance in 2023 alone. Additionally, we held over 100 Support Group Meetings and Social & Fitness events at NO COST to the community!  

For over 30 years, AUSOM has served Autistic individuals, their families, and the community by providing information, support, and advocacy; promoting awareness of Autism that values the dignity and uniqueness of each individual; and working to improve access to quality services and educational opportunities. Nationally the prevalence of Autism is estimated at 1 in 36 births by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The rate in Maryland is 1 in 43. 

Now more than ever, #EveryStepCounts so that we can continue to provide critical services, raise awareness, and educate the public about the complexities of Autism.  CLICK to register, donate, sponsor, volunteer, or learn more, visit or contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org #AutismStrongMD #EveryStepCounts 

JOIN US! Sign up to participate in one of the events:  the timed 5K run, 4K walk or 1K stroll. Register early to get your shirt size. Build your team with members of all ages.

Build a team! Harness the giving power of your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and online network. Set up a Personal Fundraiser, Team Fundraiser and Facebook Fundraiser. Share the links and ask your network for their support. Fundraising couldn’t be easier.

Become a sponsor! As a sponsor, you will enjoy the benefits of social media exposure, visibility on our event website, signage at the event, complimentary registrations for your team members, and the opportunity to introduce yourselves to the Autism community at the event.

VOLUNTEER! We need you – individuals, families, companies, groups – to help make this event a success!  Sign up to volunteer for your choice of a task and time to support this event.

Can’t join us for the event? Make a donation to support your favorite team, runner or walker. Or make a general gift to the Autism Society of Maryland.

Together we are #AutismStrongMD.  Questions?  Contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

TITLE SPONSOR:

Pete Pappas and Sons

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Behavioral Framework  .  Gula Tech Adventures

GOLD SPONSORS

2-17 The Difference  .  AutoStream Car Care  .  The Lisa Higgins Hussman Foundation  .  The Family of Shane Syed  .  Maryland Dept. of Health, Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau  

SILVER SPONSORS

Ala Makai Foundation  .  ALCO Pharmacy  .  APL Federal Credit Union  .  L. Earl & Mary T. Armiger Foundation  .  Verbal Beginnings  . Wegmans

IRON SPONSORS

Davis Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, LLC

BRONZE SPONSORS

Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation  .  T. RowePrice

CUSTOM SPONSORS

Stephanie Maric, Realtor / The Legal Team of Long & Foster – Race Bib Sponsor

Sharma & Associates  – Sign Sponsor

Maryland Department of Health, Cancer and Chronic Disease Bureau – Grab ‘n Go Bag Sponsor

COPPER SPONSORS

Avila Home Care  .  Crafton Dental  .  Crossroads Psychological Associates  .  Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC  .  Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home  .  Howard County Education Association  .  Jim & Melissa Rosenberg  .  Kennedy Krieger Institute Behavioral Psychology  .  Linwood Center  .  NeuroBehavioral Associates  .  SPIRIT Club  .  SupAbilities  .  Tooth Story  .  Valley Deck & Patio 

FRIENDS

Alareevents  .  Children Matter – Therapy 4 Kids  .  Childrens’ Therapy Center  .  Commercial Insurance Managers, Inc  .  Front Row Pediatric Dentistry  .  Hussman Center for Adults at Towson University  . Kids Thrive Therapy  .  Maryland ABLE  .  SAGE Title Group Timonium Office  .  The Curran Knittle Group at Harbor Investment Advisory  .  The Kittleman Group  .  Thrive Emerge  .  University of Maryland Autism Research Consortium

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Accessible Resources for Independence  .  Athletes Serving Athletes  .  Howard County Department of Community Resources & Services  .  Disability Rights Maryland  .  DogHouse Media  .  Equipment Connections for Children  .  Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks  .  Howard County Fire & Rescue  .  Howard County Health Department  .  Howard County Police Department  .  Howard County Public Schools, Special Education  .  Market Impressions  .  Maryland Autism Coalition  .  Maryland Coalition of Families  .  Neurodiversity Affirming Parents of Central Maryland  .  People on the Go  .  Special Olympics Maryland, Howard County  .  The Arc of Howard County  .  The Parents’ Place of Maryland  .  xMinds  .  Race timing provided by Racine MultiSports  .  Race timing provided by Racine MultiSports

IN-KIND

Howard County Public School System  .  Columbia Presbyterian Church  .  Feet First  .  Giant Food  .  Safeway