Autism Pensacola (API) is holding the fourth annual Steps for Autism walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., September 19, at the Washington High School track. Steps for Autism is a fundraising walk filled with fun games, food and music that uses all proceeds to increase community awareness, improve safety, and provide quality-of-life programs for those living with autism in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. By training professionals in our area, API is able to create a community that is more accepting of those living with autism.

This year’s theme, Walking in Hope, was chosen by Chair Sergio Peñaloza, regional vice president of technology, engineering, and operations for the southeast region of Cox communications, and his wife, Sarah. The Peñalozas have two children, and one of them was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. Today, one child in 68 is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and their safety is constantly at risk.

Location: 6000 College Pkwy., Pensacola. For more information, call 850-434-7171, email [email protected] or visit AutismPensacola.org/steps.html.