Junior Wednesday Club, last year's sponsor of the Wobble Gobble 5K and Fun Run, has the exciting privilege of hosting what was previously known as the Dan River Autism Awareness 5K. Merging resources and manpower, the Junior Wednesday's goal in raising funds for the children's play area for the Danville Science Center is now coupled in an concentrated effort to raise funds and awareness for Autism in the Dan River region. The newly titled Wobble and Gobble Autism Awareness 5K is taking the reins from the Dan River Autism Awareness 5K and by working in close proximity to the previous organizers, will proceed as normal, with the exception of a date change to November. While Autism Awareness month is in April, we feel awareness can be made at anytime during the year. Our goals are to increase awareness about autism; to show support for individuals with autism and their families; and to raise funds in our community for early childhood development exhibits and Autism inclusive programming at the Danville Science Center.

The event is held in Danville, Virginia. Most of the participants for the Dan River Autism 5K reside in Danville, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, Martinsville, Henry County, and other surrounding areas in the Dan River region of Virginia and North Carolina and the Wobble and Gobble Autism Awareness 5K welcomes them back for this race in November.

Each person’s reason to support the Wobble and Gobble Autism Awareness 5K is unique. We hope this event will provide a common ground to meet others in the community whose lives have been touched by autism, and who are passionate about raising autism awareness.

What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Learn more at http://www.autismspeaks.org

Who are we?
The Wobble and Gobble Autism Awareness 5K merged from the Dan River Autism Awareness 5K created in February 2012 as a community organization. The Junior Wednesday Club of Danville is hosting the Wobble and Gobble Autism Awareness 5K. The Junior Wednesday Club is a non-profit organization of women who are committed to assisting families in need in the Dan River region and the goal of raising awareness and funds for Autism aligns well with the Junior Wednesday Club's mission. All proceeds raised will go to Autism awareness.

The organization is led by a planning team comprised of parents, educators, and other advocates of individuals with autism. To join the planning team, email us at [email protected]

What do we do?
The inaugural Dan River Autism Awareness 5K and 1-mile run/walk on the beautiful Riverwalk Trail in Danville, Virginia took place in April 2012 . This annual event aims to increase awareness about autism; to show support for individuals with autism and their families; and to fund raise for children's area for the Danville Science Center to fund autism-inclusive programming and exhibits.

Where does the money go?
From 2012-2017, proceeds from the Autism 5K established and grew The Autism Education Fund at the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, which to continues to make grants annually. Starting in 2018, proceeds from the Autism 5K will be donated to the Danville Science Center to fund autism-inclusive programming and expansion of early childhood development exhibits and programs.

Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]