Today’s glorious sunshine and pleasant seasonal temperatures set the stage for the happy sounds that echoed throughout the large grassy field near the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion as folks arrived for the 5th annual Step Up for Autism.
Having watched the event grow step by step since its inception four years ago, the large groups of participants created a colorful scene, reflecting one the biggest team-building events around town.
While youngsters bounced in inflatable jump houses or enjoyed having their faces painted among activities in the Kids’ Area, folks of all ages began arriving in color-coded t-shirts at 8:30AM to locate their teammates prior to stepping off to run or walk at 10AM.
The LTCCA Angels appeared in florescent green team shirts. The Super Heroes posed for photos. Tim’s Team sported yellow t-shirts. The open area became mixed and matched with greens, reds, blues and pink. Other large groups teamed up wearing the official Step Up for Autism “sponsor” shirt.
Mayor George Pradel provided his signature warm welcome at 9:30AM. Executive Director Kristi Landorf also greeted the enthusiastic crowd, reminding everyone that the main reason for being there was to have fun.
Before and after sending participants on their way along the Riverwalk, the gracious mayor made the rounds, extending his hand in friendship and appreciation to hundreds of supporters who had come to help Little Friends raise funds and awareness about the nonprofit organization. Since 1965, Little Friends, headquartered in Naperville, has been a private organization with schools, always growing (now with 11 dynamic programs) to serve children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The Little Friends Step Up for Autism—as many of the outdoor events held along the Riverwalk, at Naperville Settlement or in Central Park—has become another showcase of family, friends and neighbors coming together for a good cause that helps meet the needs of the civic-minded community.
When the event ends, you walk away grateful that all those risk-takers and generous volunteers back in their day created Little Friends, built Centennial Beach to open in 1931, established Naper Settlement in 1969 and began the Riverwalk in 1981. You also know plenty of issues and challenges will present themselves in the coming months that warrant attention and local citizens will step up to offer solutions to unmet needs.
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Still, you appreciate that even in the lazy days of summertime, Naperville will be chock full of choices to enjoy fresh air and outdoor concerts in Central Park and along the Riverwalk within walking distance of the city’s bustling downtown.
Discover many fun activities and cultural events that have been planned for residents and visitors this summer. Be safe. Pay attention for summer safety. And remember it’s up to everybody to help keep our community safe and moving forward.
—PN
