Active for Autism 5K, Run Walk & Family Fun Fest 2026

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge (FHFGBR) invites you to our Annual Active for Autism 5K, Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest, celebrating awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Open to adults and children ages 4 and up. Stroller babies and toddlers are welcome—no registration needed for them!

This event combines community education, family fun, and meaningful partnerships with local families and organizations across the Greater Baton Rouge seven-parish area.

Proceeds support FHFGBR’s mission to provide individualized services, resources, and support that enhance independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. FHFGBR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Join us in making a difference! The Active for Autism 2026 5K Run/Walk & Fun Fest brings together families, friends, and community partners to raise awareness and support for individuals with autism. Your sponsorship helps fund programs and services that empower families throughout Greater Baton Rouge.

We invite you to partner with us through one of our sponsorship levels—or make an in-kind donation that directly supports event day needs. Every contribution helps us create a fun, inclusive experience for all!

📄 Download the Sponsorship Form to view full details and submit your sponsorship or donation.

——— 🌟 Sponsorship Opportunities ———

Presenting Platinum Sponsor – $10,000 & Up

• All Gold Sponsor privileges
• Industry exclusivity within level
• Event Key Presenter recognition option for a team of 20 participants
• 4 reserved parking spots
• Premium vendor space and display table
• Presented as Co-Sponsor on event website & t-shirt
• Up to 2 company banners displayed

Gold Sponsor – $5,000 to $9,999

• All Silver Sponsor privileges
• 2 reserved parking spots
• Logo prominently displayed on t-shirt & event website
• Option for a team of 10 participants
• Company logo on a Mile Marker

Silver Sponsor – $2,500 to $4,999

• All Bronze Sponsor privileges
• One reserved parking spot
• One company banner displayed
• Company logo on t-shirts & event website
• Vendor space and display table
• Option for a team of 5 participants

Bronze Sponsor – $1,000 to $2,499

• All Patron Sponsor privileges
• Recognition at event by MC
• Company name on event t-shirt
• Recognition in press releases
• Link to company website on event webpage

Patron Sponsor – $500 to $999

• Company name on main banner & event poster
• Recognized in all AFA e-blasts
• Company name on event website
• Listed in appreciation on press release
• Optional vendor benefit

🕓 Sponsor Deadline: April 1st

——— 🎁In-Kind Donation Opportunities ———

We welcome in-kind donations of goods or services that help make Active for Autism 2026 possible! Your contribution ensures the event is fun, engaging, and impactful for families navigating autism and other developmental disabilities.
 

• Food & Beverages: Snacks, lunch, drinks for participants, volunteers, and staff
• Event Supplies & Equipment: Tables, chairs, tents, signage, portable toilets
• Entertainment & Activities: Live music, performers, face painting, balloon artists, kids’ games
• Media & Marketing: Photography, videography, social media promotion, commercial spots
• Promotional Items & Giveaways: Branded items, raffle prizes, gift bags
• Services & Professional Support: Event setup/cleanup, printing, security, logistics
• Transportation or Logistics: Delivery of materials, golf carts

 Donations valued up to $500

• Company name on event signage
• Mention in post-event e-blast

Donations valued over $500

Receive sponsorship recognition at the corresponding level:

• Patron Sponsor: $500–$999
• Bronze Sponsor: $1,000–$2,499
• Silver Sponsor: $2,500–$4,999
• Gold Sponsor: $5,000–$9,999
• Platinum Sponsor: $10,000 & Up
• Your company name will also be listed on the Active for Autism website

📄 Interested in making an in-kind donation?
Download and complete the In-Kind Donation Form to share your contribution details.
 

——— 📞 Contact Us ———

Have questions or want to express your interest in becoming a sponsor? We’d love to hear from you!

📧 Email: fpeterson@fhfgbr.org
📞 Phone: (225) 216-7474

👉 Download the Sponsorship Form or In-Kind Donation Form to get started today!

Just a reminder to all vendors to please bring your own table and chairs. We appreciate your cooperation!

Become a Vendor

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge is thrilled to welcome vendors to the Active for Autism 5K Run & Fun Fest 2026! We invite vendors to provide engaging activities for participants and help create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Registration Fees:

• For-Profit Vendors: $150
• Nonprofit Vendors: $100

📄 Download the Vendor Booth Agreement to register and review full details.

 
📝 Event Information for Vendor Partners

• Event Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Important Reminders:

• No grills or heating sources are allowed.
• No alcohol is permitted.
• Due to an underground sprinkler system, no stakes can be placed in the ground (weights or sandbags are allowed).
• Small coolers are permitted.
• Vendors are responsible for providing their own tables, chairs, and tents.

Maximum vendor space: 12’ x 12’.
 

💡 Thank You to Our Vendors!

We appreciate your support and commitment to making this event a success! Check back often to see new vendors joining us.

1. Abilities Pediatric Therapy Services
2. Andrews Family Allstate
3. Access to Better Communication
4. Alera Counseling Services, LLC.
5. Arc Baton Rouge
6. Aetna Better Health of Louisiana
7. B1 Bank
8. Bally's Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel
9. Behavioral Intervention Group (BIG)
10. BREC Adaptive
11. Butterfly Effects
12. Councilman Darryl Hurst - District 5
13. Creative Crumbs Cakery
14. Dynamic Therapy Specialists
15. Elemental Health
16. Every Day Counts - ABA Therapy Center
17. Grace Therapy Center
18. KCF Books
19. Kids ID Program
20. Leading Home Care
21. Louisiana Department of Health - Medicaid
22. Louisiana Ghostbusters
23. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
24. LSU Autism Research Group
25. Magnolia Rose Foundation
26. Mercy Autism Center
27. Miss Madeline’s Sensory Haircuts
28. Ochsner Health
29. Olivier Group
30. Small Hands, Big Hearts Pediatric Therapy Management
31. Strides of Louisiana
32. Stir Coffee House
33. St. Lillian Academy
34. Third Future Schools
35. Train Unique
36. Top Notch Behavioral Healthcare Services
37. Walk-On's Game On Foundation
38. Walmart Neighborhood Market

If you’re interested in becoming a vendor and have questions, call us at (225) 216-7474 or email fpeterson@fhfgbr.org.

Register for Active for Autism by April 3 to guarantee your event t-shirt!
 

We are families helping families—and today, we’re honored to welcome our special guests as part of that family. Thank you for being here and supporting our community.

Weather Update: Due to the current forecast, all Fun Fest and vendor activities have been relocated inside the Pennington Conference Center.

7:00 AM - Registration Opens - Outside of the conference center

7:15 AM - Welcome Address – Dr. Marilyn Thornton, FHFGBR - 1st floor conference center

7:30 AM - Onsite Registration for Runners Closes

7:40 AM - Opening Prayer & National Anthem

7:45 AM - Warm-Up for Runners (Train Unique - Location: TBD due to weather forecast)

7:55 AM - 5K Line Up

8:00 AM - Chipped 5K Begins – (Threshold Timing), Vendor Booths Open Inside of Conference Center

8:45 AM - Warm-Up for One Mile (Dynamic Therapies - Location: TBD due to weather forecast)

9:00 AM - One Mile Fun Walk Begins

10:00 AM - Special Acknowledgments, 5K Awards & Team Awards - Inside of Conference Center

10:30 AM - Dance Party 

11:30 AM - Wrap Up

Important Weather Notice: In light of the current forecast, all Fun Fest and vendor activities will now take place indoors to ensure participant comfort and safety.

There is limited space available for team tents. Availability is on a first-come first-served basis. Pennington does not allow tents to be staked to the ground. Please use weights to secure your team tent. You may bring small coolers, however grills and other heating elements are prohibited. No alcohol allowed. Bring your outdoor chairs and/or blankets for family fun day activities. 

Arrival & Parking:

• Please enter Pennington via Perkins Road for race day access.
• Be aware that 5K participants will be running through the parking lot — please drive cautiously.
• Police Officers will be present to direct traffic and help ensure the safety of all participants.
   

Runner Safety:

• For the safety and respect of the runners, avoid the area near the finish line.
• Do not cross any barricaded areas — these are in place to protect both runners and spectators.
   

Food, Drinks & Cleanliness:

• Complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided.
• Snacks will also be available for purchase.
• You may bring small coolers with personal snacks or drinks.
• Grills and other heating elements are not allowed.
• No alcohol is permitted on the event grounds.
• Please use the trash receptacles provided to help keep the area clean.
   

Children & Lost and Found:

• Children must be supervised at all times.
• If a child is lost, report immediately to an officer or visit the Information Booth near Registration Tables.
• Lost children will be cared for and reunited with guardians at the Information Booth.
   

Pets & Animals:

• To maintain a safe and comfortable environment, we ask that animals not be brought to the event.
• Service animals are allowed in accordance with ADA guidelines.
• Please note: emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not considered service animals under Title II and III of the ADA and should not attend.
   

Weather Policy:

In the event of rain, both the 5K Run and the Fun Walk will continue as scheduled.

Additional Information:

• Please note that there are no ATMs on Pennington’s grounds.
• FHFGBR staff and volunteers will be available throughout the event — look for badges or visit the Information Booth if you have any questions or need assistance.

• OVERALL FASTEST WINNERS - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 14 & UNDER - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 15 – 19 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 20-29 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 30-39 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 40-49 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 50-59 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 60-69 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 70-79 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 80+ - MALE & FEMALE

MOST TEAM MEMBERS - Business & Individual Teams

To be counted toward your team's total for the Most Team Members award, participants must select or join the team at the time of race registration. If a participant does not register under the team name, they will not be counted toward the team's total.

LARGEST FUNDRAISER - Business & Individual Teams

Each fundraising team has its own unique RunSignUp link, making it easy to share and collect donations via social media, text, or email. Don’t forget to check if your employer offers a matching gift program — many companies will match donations to nonprofit organizations! For award purposes, all funds raised by 10:00 AM on event day will be counted toward your team's total.

MOST CREATIVE T-SHIRT

Get ready to show off your creativity!

Come up with a fun and unique team name, then design a standout t-shirt that shows off your team spirit. We’ll be on the lookout for the most original and eye-catching designs — so bring your A-game!

Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and is at your own risk. Reserved parking is available with certain sponsorship levels and for vendors.

Start Your Own Fundraising Challenge!

Please consider creating your own fundraising challenge for this event. Be on the lookout for the “Fundraising” tab during the registration process to get started!

Volunteer with Us!

Interested in volunteering? Sign up on the “Volunteer” tab and join our team in making the Active for Autism 5K & Fun Fest a success!