May 3, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - For the second year in a row, Maryland head basketball coach Gary Williams will act as the Honorary Chairman of "Walk F.A.R. for NAAR," an annual friends and family event that raises funds for the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). Williams will join more than 5,000 walkers on Saturday, May 8, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, Md.

Williams, U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, former Maryland basketball player Bob Bodell (1971-73), 94.7 The Arrow morning show host Mark Kessler, and possibly Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich are among those who are taking part in the event to raise funds for autism research. All proceeds will benefit NAAR, which provides funding to researchers worldwide in their quest to find the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of autism spectrum disorders.

Already, a record $225,000 has been raised even before the walkers have taken one step, and the event's organizers expect to receive more generous pledges and donations on Saturday. More than 160 teams are expected to take part in the 2004 walk, eclipsing last year's total.

The last local Walk F.A.R. for NAAR, in May 2003, raised $545,000 and had more than 5,000 participants. Since the first inaugural walk in May 2000, NAAR has conducted 56 Walk F.A.R. events nationally, with more than 150,000 participants. To date, more than $15 million has been raised.

"Our last two walks have raised $1.2 million. We are so pleased that the Washington, D.C., area families and friends have been so supportive of this important research," said Walk F.A.R. for NAAR Executive Committee member Lennie Gladstone. "The statistics are shocking: researchers now estimate that autism spectrum disorders affect one out of every 167 children. Recent studies have found autism is on the rise. Scientists are working hard to find the reasons. It's our job to help them by providing much needed funding."

This two-mile walk will be a family friendly event with entertainment, refreshments and music provided by 94.7 the Arrow, Washington's classic rock station. Kessler will serve as the event's master of ceremonies.

Individual walkers, as well as family, school or business teams are invited to join in the cause. Register online at www.autismwalk.org/wdc or by calling 301-519-0770.