2025 marks Autism Society of Idaho’s 13th annual Walk for Autism Acceptance, with this year’s event taking place from 9am to noon Saturday, April 19. Held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds (4056 North Government Way) in Coeur d’Alene, the event includes a 5k Walk or Run, a Micro Walk (shorter distance), an Easter Egg Hunt, Resource Fair and raffles!
“It’s important for those that do not have direct experience with Autism, either through living it or raising someone with it, to attend the walk to show support, inclusion and acceptance,” explains Lacey Protopappas, the executive director of Autism Society of Idaho. “The skills that are learned when interacting with a person with autism are not just useful in this community but can be applied throughout life.”
Lacey has been participating in this event off and on for the past 10 years, and she is excited that she has the opportunity of running this year’s Walk for Autism Awareness for the first time. “I love seeing the community come together. Families getting to enjoy an event where no one is judging them for their loved one’s quirks,” Lacey smiles. “The atmosphere is always so warm and welcoming. It allows people to build community, foster inclusion and feel like they are not alone on this journey.”
Autism Society of Idaho does not receive any type of grant funding and runs 100 percent on fundraisers and donations. “We do our best to keep our organizational costs to a minimum so we can put as much as possible back into the community that we serve,” Lacey affirms. At this time, the organization has one full-time staff person (their executive director, Lacey) and two part-time staff (support group leaders). Everything else is done by an exceptional volunteer board of directors. As Lacey affirms, “We are small but mighty!”
Lacey is grateful for their board, who came together and gathered a lot of donations for the event. She is also thankful for the local businesses that have shown their support, such as The Well-Read Moose, Dutch Bros, Milestone Decisions, Jitterz, Cochinito Taqueria, Discovery Fire, The Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, Inkish Body Beauty, and Snoogans Tattoo.”
Face painting has been donated by Gummeson & Associates, with a photo backdrop courtesy of Epic Party Design. 93.7 the Mountain will be the MC and in charge of the music, and the Village Bakery is hosting the Easter Egg Hunt.
“Autism affects one in 36,” Lacey reminds. “Even if you are not in direct contact today with someone with Autism, there is a good chance you will be at some point in your life.”
Celebrate Easter weekend by showing up to support Autism Society of Idaho at their 13th annual Walk for Autism Awareness this Saturday. It’s sure to be a wonderful, uplifting morning surrounded by friends and community. For additional details, call 208.784.3889 or email info@autismsocietyidaho.org
Schedule of Events:
9am: 5k Walk/Run
10:15am: Micro Walk
11am: Egg Hunt (separated by age groups)
Register to participate in the 5k or Micro Walk by visiting RunSignUp.com/Race/ID/CoeurDAlene/WalkKForAutismAcceptance.
Vendors at this year’s Walk for Autism Acceptance include: Into the Deep/ Access Abilities, CDA Backpack Program, Autism Society of Idaho, Caravell Autism Health, Turtle Clam Crab, Liberty Health, DS Connections, CDA Dog Fanciers, Safe Passage, CDA Tribe, Coeur Connections, Tamarack, Wired 2 Learn, Project Search, Milestone Decisions, Relatives as Parents, SNR, Canopy Village, Syringa Family, Jumpstart, Kootenai Health, SVDP, Empower Therapy, Idaho Stars, AFAOHUB, Chrysalis, Hope Education, CASA, ICCU, UnBefuddled and CSI.
To learn more about the Autism Society of Idaho, visit AutismSocietyIdaho.org.
