WalkAbout Autism Event Draws Thousands to Sun Life Stadium

Dan and Claire Marino in 1992 established the Dan Marino Foundation

A crowd of more than 20,000 showed up Saturday in support of the Dan Marino Foundation’s WalkAbout Autism, an event aimed at raising awareness and funds for South Florida programs benefiting children and young adults with autism.

The event took place at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, and a $100,000 check was presented by Walgreens, which helped present the event.

Dan and Claire Marino in 1992 established the Dan Marino Foundation, whose goal is “to open doors toward independence for children and young adults with autism and special needs by creating awareness and opportunities,” the foundation says.

The foundation said that since its inception, it has raised more than $37 million. Those funds have been used for research, to build the Miami Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Center, and, opening in 2014, Marino College.

“As parents of children with autism, my wife Rachel and I are thrilled to be a part of the Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism,” said Jeff Ireland, the Miami Dolphins’ general manager. “We know firsthand the importance of support services for children and adults with autism and this event will raise money specifically for those services right here in South Florida.”

Ireland added: “Having the event at Sun Life Stadium where Dan played his Hall of Fame career for the Miami Dolphins seems like the perfect choice.”

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