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Foundation of 'Autism Speaks'
'Autism Speaks was founded by Bob and Suzanne Wright on February 11, 2005. They created it to speak up for autistic people, and discrimination against them because of their disability. Today, they are the largest autism advocacy organization in the United States. -
Bernie Marcus Donation
Bernie Marcus is the founder of large hardware store 'Home Depot'.To support the cause of Autism Speaks, Marcus donated $25 million to the organization during the beginning of establishment of Autism Speaks. That $25 million was the head start that Autism Speaks needed to grow. -
Annual Autism Walk
In October 2006, The Walk for Autism Research program conducted an annual Autism Walk in Long Island, New York. It raised $2 million and had 20,000 participants. It is one of the most memorable events of Autism Speaks history, and history of other autism organizations. -
World Autism Awareness Day
In December 2007, Suzanne Wright wanted to persuade the United Nations to sponsor a resolution recognizing World Autism Awareness Day. The UN passed this resolution. This really helped create World Autism Awareness Day. -
Bob and Suzanne Wright
After 10 years, Bob Wright resigned as chairman for Autism speaks in 2015, and replaced by Brian Kelly. Suzanne Wright passed away a year later in 2016 from pancreatic cancer. -