Tabatha Taylor

Executive Director, Odyssey Foundation for the Arts

I bring you greetings on behalf of Odyssey Foundation for the Arts, LLC (non- profit 501 c3) and its board members. We are excited about Walking the Walk V (5K Walk/Run) for Autism which is April 7, 2012 at the Stoner Boat Launch in Shreveport, LA – from 9 am – 1pm. State Rep. Patrick Williams and company have made that 226 mile trek to Baton Rouge, LA for the past four years raising awareness/funds for Autism and Childhood Obesity. This year, we are Walking the Walk at home. We thank Rep. Williams, for his monumental work in the legislature and in the community for families who are affected by the Autism Spectrum Disorder. His overwhelming capacity to fight to provide resources for a growing epidemic not only in Louisiana but in the United States should serve as a role model for us to serve our community with such great passion no matter what obstacles we may face.

We are also very excited about this year’s Chairperson for the Walk - Caddo Parish School Board Member Dottie Bell. Ms. Bell has contributed so much in the school system for children on the Autism Spectrum. She has been instrumental in establishing and helping to design three classrooms specifically for children on the Autism Spectrum. Her continuous work and efforts will ensure that all children with Autism and other exceptionalities receive the necessary services/support needed to help them excel in and out of the classroom.

Northwest Louisiana has the highest concentration of individuals on the Autism Spectrum yet few resources. The foundation wanted to do something to help these families. As a result of last year’s Walk, we were able to establish the Autism Resource Library located at 5150 Interstate Drive, Suite 212 in Shreveport, LA. This library provides the latest research material, educational and social/living skills for individuals on the spectrum. These resources are valuable to families as they continuously face the day to day challenges of living with individuals on the spectrum. This library is not only available to parents, but to everyone in the community to educate and raise your awareness level on the subject. Proceeds from this year’s Walk will benefit the Autism Resource Library.

Our goal is to raise $50,000.00. We are asking each individual to provide a minimum contribution of $25.00 for this year’s Walk. You can always give more. Corporate sponsorships range from $250. 00 - $10,000.00. For more details, view our website at odysseyfoudationla.org. You can mail your contributions and make your check(s) payable to: Walking the Walk – PO Box 726 – Shreveport, LA 71162. PayPal is available via our website if you choose to make a donation this way and all donations are tax deductible.

Come join us! As always, we thank our past title sponsors - Willis Knighton Health System, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Wal-Mart. These sponsors along with others have helped us to facilitate programs to better serve our community. Our continuous thanks to LSU Health Sciences Center for helping us to ensure the community receives the necessary services to combat childhood illnesses. Walk the Walk V for Autism is right in our backyard and we look forward to seeing you in great numbers on April 7, 2012.