OBSERVER Staff Report

Following the success of last spring’s autism awareness event “Not So Different,” HAIL! Fredonia returns this April with the “Lend a Paw” dog walk. The event is set for Sunday, April 23 on the Fredonia campus.

Students, faculty and townspeople alike are encouraged to bring their dogs and participate in the event. Participants are not required to bring a dog in order to walk. To ensure a spot, walkers can complete a registration form prior to the event, either at the event table in McEwen Hall or online at Autismdogwalk.eventbrite.com. Registration forms will also be available the day of the walk at the campus clock tower from noon to 1 p.m. Entry fees are $15 before the event, and $20 for day-of entries. Tickets bought prior to April 16 will include an autism awareness T-shirt. All admission fees also include food and beverage coverage during the reception. Anyone unable to participate in the event but would still like to contribute, donations will be accepted at the website.

The walk takes place along Ring Road from 1-2 p.m. Water is provided along the way for both dogs and their owners. Sanitary bags are also provided to keep the campus clean. All participating dogs must be leashed.

Following the walk will be a reception at the campus amphitheatre, consisting of a BBQ, 50/50 and basket raffles, food and bake sales, live acoustic performances and speeches from Dr. Thomeer of the Institute for Autism Research (and Fredonia’s own President Horvath). Treats are provided for canine companions. Puzzle pieces will be available for sale in order for walkers to donate money and show their support of autism awareness. The reception will last until 5pm.

HAIL! Fredonia Records has worked with the Institute of Autism Research previously with the release of Not So Different, featuring singer/songwriter Cassandra Kubinski, Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. This single was released on iTunes and Google Play, and was promoted with the first HAIL! Autism awareness event in April of 2016. All purchases of the single go to the IAR at Canisius. Not So Different will be available for purchase on both CD and digital copy during the Autism Walk event.

All money raised will be donated to the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius College.

For more information on the Institute for Autism Research, visit https://www.canisius.edu/iar. HAIL!

Fredonia Records is a student-run record label that provides opportunities to students to gain real-world experience before graduating. The record label is guided by well-known producer Armand Petri.