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Get ready to walk on the wild side! HEAL answers all of your questions about this year's Zoo Walk.
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Zoo Walk April 24

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HEAL Awarding $2,500 in Grants to Top Zoo Walk Fundraisers

Lining up to start the Zoo Walk
Starting line at the HEAL Zoo Walk
BIG ZOO MONEY for schools and organizations! Top fundraisers may designate grants to their favorite school or Autism organization. A total of $2,500 will be in the purse for the top 4 teams:
  • 1st place: $1,000
  • 2nd place: $750
  • 3rd place: $500
  • 4th place: $250
Register Now & Form Your Team!

HEAL Answers Your Zoo Walk Questions
“I usually am hesitant to bring my boys to public places like the Zoo, however we all ended up having a blast! We got up close and personal with some of the Jacksonville Jaguars, meeting and interacting with families, and spending the day at the Zoo. Our entire family is looking forward to this year's Zoo Walk.”

—Sheila, mother of two with Autism

The HEAL Foundation is excited about the upcoming HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism on Sunday, April 24. This walk raises funds to assist individuals and families with Autism in our local area, while bringing families and our Autism community together on one day for a special purpose. Below are some tips and pointers to help make the HEAL Zoo Walk accessible and fun.
 


Register in Advance

To register for the HEAL Zoo Walk and form a team, please visit our website. This fun family event and walk is accessible for all ages. The Zoo allows us to get a head start, before the doors open to the public. This makes the HEAL Walk a great opportunity to see the Zoo in a safe, understanding setting.

 

Children 12 and Under Free
The HEAL Zoo Walk makes it affordable for a family of four to spend the entire day at the Jacksonville Zoo! Register for the Zoo Walk and admission to the Zoo is FREE for children 12 and under; only $15 per person for ages 13 and up.



Creating or Updating Your Firstgiving Fundraising Page

To make your team page to raise funds, simply visit our website and follow the easy steps to start your team page. If you have any problems Firstgiving registration, contact support@firstgiving.com.
 


Donate to a Team or to HEAL

If you are unable to attend the HEAL Zoo Walk, but would like to make a donation to a specific team or to HEAL, search for a team online at the link below.
 
Donate Online


Zoo Walk Route
The Zoo Walk route is fun and enjoyable with exotic animals along the way. We took into account the many families who have a member with Autism. The route is less than a mile long, which meanders alongside the animals on a shaded pathway. This is not a race, so everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace. There is shade, benches, water fountains and bathrooms along the way for breaks if needed.
 
If you would like to preview the route, view this full-size map. We start at “Main Camp,” loop through “Africa,” follow the wide pathway through the gardens and animals and end up at the “Great Lawn.” The HEAL After Party “Party With Patty” hosted by Patty Crosby of First Coast News. sponsored by Nimnicht Family of Dealerships will greet you at the finish line with fun and games for all! Find more info about the after party below.
 


Free Train Rides at the Zoo - Compliments of HEAL!

Ride the zoo train for free!When you check in, tickets will be offered for free train rides. Explore the Zoo the easy way, aboard the exciting Zoo Train. Your train ticket takes you around the entire Zoo. It stops at the Kids’ Shop and at Main Camp where you may disembark and explore at your own pace. A great and fun way to see the zoo animals is on the train.
 


HEAL After Party – “Party with Patty”
The walk concludes at the Great Lawn. Participants are welcomed with a festive after party hosted by Patty Crosby of First Coast News, compliments of Nimnicht Family of Dealerships. Party with music, bouncy houses, bouncy slides, face painting and more! Special guest, actor and TV personality Nick Loren will put on an interactive performance with his children’s book series, “Farful Foolong of Oolong Panshoo.” Patty’s Party concludes at 11:00 AM so family and friends may enjoy the Zoo for the rest of the day.
 


Vendor Tables Offered

We are offering the opportunity for vendor tables which will be set up at the Great Lawn for the HEAL After Party! We ask you to provide a simple, fun activity for kids. Please email us at info@healautismnow.org to register.
 


All Other Questions

You can reach us at HEAL at info@healautismnow.org, or by calling 904-716-4198. Call or email us if you have questions or concerns!
 
We thank you and encourage those who have teams, continue raising funds and for all those participating to continue spreading the word far and wide about the HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism. 
 
We can’t wait to walk on the wild side and party with the animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Sunday, April 24!

Upcoming Events in Northeast Florida

 
DATE EVENT
Ongoing Rising Star Baseball - Boys and Girls unable to “shine” with a traditional little league team can have fun with baseball, build self confidence, and make memories and friendships with Rising Star. The cost is free, and siblings are welcome. Practices have already begun, and take place every week at Cornerstone Park off A1A. Visit the website at risingstarsbaseball.org or email Coach Bob at bob_culliton@outlook.com.
Mar. 26 New Home School Club - This four-week club is Wednesday March 30 through April 20, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and includes Yoga, Baking Class, Social time and Music. Space is limited. Contact Chris Caruso at 904-373-3200 or ccaruso@doctorojax.com.
Mar. 30 Sensory Friendly Films: Zootopia at 10 AM - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. All viewings are held at 10 AM or 7 PM. More information.
Apr. 5 First Coast Autism Support - Charlotte Temple presents “Understanding Social Security Benefits and More” Join First Coast Autism Support for their monthly meeting at Greenland Pines Elementary, 5050 Greenland Road, Jacksonville. Their mission is to connect families raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder so they can share resources, discuss ideas and support each other. There is also a Sibling Support Group for siblings 7-13 years old running at the same time, run by professionals with an understanding of the impact a special needs child can have on a family. For more information, contact Angela.Mann@unf.edu.
Apr. 9 Microsoft Gaming Party with CARD - The Microsoft Store at the St. Johns Town Center will set up Xbox One consoles in the theater space for gaming from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Breakout session for parents during the program. Forty spots available. Register online.
Apr. 9 Bowling Buddies - Join friends at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Brittany and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing blg11241990@comcast.net.
Apr. 9 Sensory Friendly Films: Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice at 10 AM - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. All viewings are held at 10 AM or 7 PM. More information.
Apr. 9-10 Sunshine Splash in Orlando Florida - Free adaptive water-ski program open to all individuals with disabilities. Located at Lake Ivanhoe Park (exit 84 off 1-4 East). Register at LOFadaptiveskiers.org or contact them at lofskiers@gmail.com.
Apr. 11 First Coast Autism Support Group - This month’s speaker is Chandra Jones, Community Liaison for Jacksonville Health and Transition Services (JaxHats). This workshop is for parents and families who have teenage youth with disabilities and chronic health insurance who want to learn more about JaxHATS and how to utilize their services. RSVP required to attend, register here.
Apr. 12 Sensory Friendly Films: Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice at 7 PM - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. All viewings are held at 10 AM or 7 PM. More information.
Apr. 14-15 Free Two-Day Workshop for Parents with the Jericho School - Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Participants will gain a greater understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis to assist in the acquisition of language skills for children with developmental disabilities. Parking and lunch is included. You must register to participate. Contact Cassandra Tuohy at 904-744-5110 or jerichoschool@yahoo.com.
Apr. 16 Family Care Council hosts Connecting the Dots - This all-day event at Christ’s Church, 6045 Greenland Road, Jacksonville will host local speakers and focus on resources for children, teens and young adults with disabilities. Attendance is free, register online.
Apr. 16 Jacksonville 2016 Access Life Expo Tour - Free event for individuals and families living with disabilities. Event from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Bethesda Park, 10790 Key Haven Blvd, Jacksonville. Offering boat rides, fishing, kayaking, arts, crafts food and resource exhibitors. To participate or volunteer visit access-life.org or call 352-455-9926.
Apr. 19 Digital Citizenship at CARD - Middle and high school students will learn about managing digital footprints in an appropriate and safe manner. This session will address online etiquette, appropriate and acceptable online behaviors. Also address cyberbulling. Registration is required, register online.
Apr. 23 Sensory Friendly Films: The Jungle Book at 10 AM - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. All viewings are held at 10 AM or 7 PM. More information.
Apr. 23 Morning Star’s Annual Gala and Silent Auction, “An Evening on the St Johns” - Morning Star School is celebrating 60 years of serving our community. Join them for a special fundraiser at the Haskell Building on Riverside Avenue. Click here for more information.
Apr. 24 HEAL Zoo Walk for Autism! Registration is now open for the best walk of the year! Start telling your friends and family! See you at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for another beautiful walk, after-party, train rides and more! Tickets are still $15 for ages 13 and up! Visit HealAutismNow.org to register and form a team.
Apr. 26 Sensory Friendly Films: The Huntsman Winter's War at 7 PM - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. All viewings are held at 10 AM or 7 PM. More information.
May 5 Social Skills Group at Great Strides - This group is geared to children ages 7-10 and has a sportsmanship theme. Group meets every Thursday from May 5 to June 30 from 4:30 to 5:45 PM at Great Strides Rehabilitation, 12226 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville. Join this group to work on winning and losing with grace, cheering on peers, and being flexible when games change. Must register and commit to all 9 sessions. Email Lauren at Gianino.saralauren@gmail.com for more information or application form.
May 10 Sensory Friendly Films: Captain America: Civil War at 7 PM - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. All viewings are held at 10 AM or 7 PM. More information.
May 14 Microsoft Gaming Party with CARD - The Microsoft Store at the St. Johns Town Center will set up Xbox One consoles in the theater space for gaming from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Breakout session for parents during the program. Forty spots available. Register online.
May 14 Sensory Friendly Films: Captain America: Civil War at 10 AM - AMC & ASA are bringing families an opportunity to go to the movies in a safe accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families may bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 at the Regency Center Square. All viewings are held at 10 AM or 7 PM. More information.
May 14 Bowling Buddies - Join friends at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Brittany and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing blg11241990@comcast.net.
May 22 Special Needs Introduction to Yoga Workshop - Sign up now for this workshop offered to those with Special Needs and their families. Flip Dog Yoga and Angelica O’Shea will hold the workshop at Big Fish Power Yoga Studio, 3852 South Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, at the South Beach Regional Shopping Center (also home to Home Depot and Trader Joe’s). This workshop includes a presentation detailing the benefits of yoga, a Q & A session, and a yoga demonstration and practice. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. This workshop will be followed by a six-week series, arranged by age, starting on Sunday, May 29. Email flipdogyogallc@gmail.com for a registration form.
May 24 Digital Citizenship – Online Safety - In this training, middle and high school students will learn about managing their digital footprints in an appropriate and safe manner. This third session will teach students about how to stay safe online, how to responsibly represent themselves through the internet, and how to preserve their digital reputation. Registration is required, register online. Click here for a flyer, or for more information contact audrey.bringman@jax.ufl.edu.
May 29 - June 25 Arc Life Experience 2016 - Participants aged 18 and up obtain a sneak preview and crash course on living independently. Individuals will work on social emotional skills, leisure skills and daily living tasks. Accepting applications now – Session is $3,900 for a four-week session. CDC/MedWaiver accepted. For more information and applications, contact 904-620-3890 or Arcjacksonville.org.
June 11 Bowling Buddies - Join friends at Beach Bowl on Beach Boulevard for 4 lanes of fun! Educators and therapists are on hand to facilitate social interaction. This is a great activity for children and teens with Autism, and the parents enjoy connecting with other families. Meet Brittany and her team at 12:30 PM. Register in advance by emailing blg11241990@comcast.net.
June 29 Surfers for Autism Registration opens for 7th Annual First Coast Beach Festival in Flagler Beach. SFA will spend a day teaching individuals with Autism to surf and have fun in the water on August 20. This great event fills up fast so register your child or young adult to participate now, or sign up to volunteer for this fun day! Visit SurfersforAutism.org for more information.
July 3 - 30 Arc Life Experience 2016 - Participants aged 18 and up obtain a sneak preview and crash course on living independently. Individuals will work on social emotional skills, leisure skills and daily living tasks. Accepting applications now – Session is $3,900 for a four-week session. CDC/MedWaiver accepted. For more information and applications, contact 904-620-3890 or Arcjacksonville.org.
July 17 Special Needs Introduction to Yoga Workshop - Sign up now for this workshop offered to those with Special Needs and their families. Flip Dog Yoga and Angelica O’Shea will hold the workshop at Big Fish Power Yoga Studio, 3852 South Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, at the South Beach Regional Shopping Center (also home to Home Depot and Trader Joe’s). This workshop includes a presentation detailing the benefits of yoga, a Q & A session, and a yoga demonstration and practice. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. This workshop will be followed by a six-week series, arranged by age, starting on Sunday, July 24. Email flipdogyogallc@gmail.com for a registration form.
Aug. 10 Surfers for Autism Registration opens for 7th Annual North Coast Beach Festival in Jacksonville Beach. SFA will spend a day teaching individuals with Autism to surf and have fun in the water on September 24. This great event fills up fast so register your child or young adult to participate now, or sign up to volunteer for this fun day! Visit SurfersforAutism.org for more information.
Aug. 20 7th Annual First Coast Beach Festival with Surfers for Autism in Flagler Beach. Register in advance for this family day of fun with a great Florida non-profit. They will be at Flagler Beach Pier from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visit SurfersforAutism.org for more information or to register in advance.
Sept. 5 The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Benefiting HEAL at Mickler’s Landing. Save the date and start your Stand Up Paddleboard training now! This outing is fun for the whole family. Join us for 4 paddle races, music, and fun at the beach. Email events@healautismnow.org for information on sponsorships and tents. Registration opens soon.
Sep. 24 7th Annual North Coast Beach Festival with Surfers for Autism in Jacksonville Beach. Register in advance for this family day of fun with a great Florida non-profit. They will be in Jax Beach at 1515 First St. N from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visit SurfersforAutism.org for more information or to register in advance.
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