From staff reports
The local Autism Stands organization held its third autism awareness walk Saturday afternoon in Oil City.
There were 500 participants in the second walk in 2015, and that allowed organizer Brandy Hinojosa to raise money for her organization that was born out of a desire to see more autism awareness in the community.
Despite her efforts, Hinojosa was disappointed with the numbers this year.
“This year somewhere between 150 and 175 people come to the walk,” Hinojosa said. “It wasn’t a total loss though. We raised about $275.”
“Honestly, I think it’s a combination of the fact that I missed last year and that I changed the date,” Hinojosa said. “I was thinking it would allow more people to come. It was still a success though.”
Oil City Police Chief Bob Wenner spoke at the event.
“He vowed that the Oil City police will work more with children who have autism for generations to come,” Hinojosa said.
It may have just been a difficult year for them, Hinojosa said.
“I do plan on holding it again next year,” Hinojosa said. “We’ll be coming up on our fifth year and I want to do something special for that event.”
