Four New Jersey schools collaborate to raise funds for autism education and treatment programs

Paramus, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 01/20/2014 --Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event, to be held on Sunday, May 4 at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ. The event is a collaborative effort by four northern New Jersey schools for individuals with autism – Alpine Learning Group in Paramus, The EPIC School in Paramus, Garden Academy in Maplewood and REED Academy in Oakland. In the past four years, participants have ridden over 49,000 miles and raised nearly $3 million for autism education and treatment programs for children and adults with autism.

Register today to ride, donate or volunteer at http://www.gtd4autism.org.

This year’s event marks the fifth anniversary, and is gearing up to be bigger than ever with new bike routes, entertainment and food. The event is open to the public and there will be rides for cyclists of all levels throughout the scenic roads of Bergen County. Registered riders will also receive GTD4A gear, entrance to the Family Fun area for food, games, entertainment and a Community Pavilion featuring local businesses and non-profit agencies.

Start times are the following:

50 mile ride – 8:00am
25 mile ride – 9:00am
10 mile ride – 10:00am
Kids Ride – 10:00am
Family Ride – 11:00am

Go the Distance for Autism is requesting proposals for one $5,000 grant to be awarded to a qualifying non-profit organization in New Jersey or New York who utilizes science-based instruction based on Applied Behavior Analysis. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.gtd4autism.org.

“It is a critical time for our entire community to become involved in the Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event,” said Chantelle Walker, Director of Development for Alpine Learning Group. “One in 88 children in the United States, and one in 49 children in New Jersey have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. By joining us on May 4 as a rider, volunteer, or supporter, people of all ages will be able to help raise funds, spread much needed awareness and directly impact the lives of individuals living with autism every day.”

This event is made possible by a host of local and national companies that come out in support of Go the Distance for Autism each year. For more information on joining a winning team by becoming an event sponsor, please visit http://www.gtd4autism.org and click through to the Sponsor page.

About the Schools
Alpine Learning Group, The EPIC School, Garden Academy and REED Academy are non-profit organizations located in northern NJ that provide educational and behavioral services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a neurobiologically-based developmental disability that emerges during a child’s first three years of life. Individuals with autism display marked impairments in communication and social skills as well as a restricted range of interests and behavior.

For more information, please visit http://www.alpinelearninggroup.org - http://www.epicschool.org - http://www.gardenacademy.org and http://www.reedacademy.org