Press Release: Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge to Host 15th Annual Active for Autism 5k Run/Walk & Fun Fest on April 25, 2026

Chanell Thomas • April 2, 2026

A community-wide celebration promoting awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals with autism and their families

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge to Host 15th Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest on April 25, 2026


Baton Rouge, LA – Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge (FHFGBR) will host its 15th Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest, proudly co-sponsored by the City of Baton Rouge, The Nirel Group Foundation, and REV, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.


This year’s event will be led by Honorary Chair Sid Edwards, Mayor-President of the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge; Co-Chair John Michael Guidry, Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court; and emceed by April Davis, WBRZ News Anchor.


The event promotes awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), bringing together families, friends, and supporters.


FHFGBR serves seven parishes: East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, Iberville, Ascension, and Pointe Coupee. Each year, the event engages more than 1,200 participants while raising critical funds to support individuals and families impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities.


Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors


This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors:


  • Presenting Platinum Sponsors: The City of Baton Rouge, The Nirel Group Foundation, and REV
  • Gold Sponsors: Walmart Neighborhood Market #541, Benny’s Car Wash, and Cumulus Radio Station Group
  • Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, B1Bank, Coleman Partners Architects, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Walmart, Mercy Autism Center, and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
  • Bronze Sponsors: Behavioral Intervention Group, Baton Rouge General, Maughan Law Firm, Wampold Companies, Walmart Supercenter #1266, Representative C. Denise Marcelle, ACE Enterprises Inc., Bally’s Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel, and West Baton Rouge Parks & Recreation
  • Patron Sponsors: Pella Windows & Doors of Baton Rouge, Stine, Councilman Darryl Hurst, Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Gulfsouth Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPAs, Mercy Autism Center, Ascension Golf Carts, and BearCom of Baton Rouge


Finally, we extend our gratitude to all additional in-kind donors and supporters, whose generosity helps make this event truly special.

Join us for a day of movement, connection, and celebration in support of individuals with autism and their families.


For more information, visit www.fhfgbr.org or call 225.216.7474.


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We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community. The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community. We are beyond grateful to our: Participants who showed up with passion and purpose Sponsors who helped make the event possible Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day Donors who gave generously Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us! Thank You to All Our Sponsors We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community. 2025 Active for Autism Sponsors: Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year. 📅 Mark your calendar : Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again. From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected. We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.