Teens Walk for Teen Light to Benefit Those With Autism

Hundreds of 8^th graders from the Marshall Simonds Middle School have made it their mission to help teens with autism.  They will hold their fifth annual Teen LIGHT walk-a-thon on June 1^nd, 2013.  The 5k walk will begin on the Burlington, MA town common and include activities following the 5K.  Proceeds will benefit the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.  A portion of the proceeds will go specifically to Joey’s Fund Family Grant Program. This grant program, created in honor of Josephine Grace Gay who was autistic and killed in Newtown, will provide assistance to families raising autistic children.

On-site registration will take place at 9:30 A.M. on the common.  The 5K will be from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. with activities on the common until 12:30 P.M.  The event will include entertainment, raffles, snacks, and activities. Scheduled performances include girls’ hip hop, divas dancers, and the popular Evolution boys’ group.  BHS student, Brooke Hindle, and Memorial student, Nathan Patz, are scheduled to perform with groups from the nationally renowned Phunk Phenomenon.  The walk fee is $10 for children and teens, $20 for adults, and $30 for families. 

This is Teen LIGHT’s fifth year in Burlington.  Teen LIGHT is a ground-breaking community service program that develops young leaders and encourages students to transform the lives of struggling teens.  In its first four years in Burlington, Teen LIGHT raised approximately $50,000 to benefit teens struggling with depression, addiction, abuse, bullying, and cancer.  In response to the question, “What would you do to change the world?” this year’s Teen LIGHT group in Burlington is raising awareness and money to support teens will autism.  Teen LIGHT participants have received several awards and honors over the years including JFK Library Make A Difference awards, an MCSP-NE Youth Award, and ambassadorships with Governor Patrick’s Project 351.  In the words of former Teen LIGHT leader Michaela Mazure: “An idea that begins as a question can turn into a project that can change the world.”

This year’s business sponsors include John Mantia & Sons, Nashua Family Dentistry, Party Central, RCB Design, Schoolhouse Ice Cream and Yogurt, and The Capital Grille.  If you are interested in sponsoring Teen LIGHT or obtaining information regarding past and upcoming events, please contact Cheryl Mantia at cmantia@teenlightprogram.com