EPHRATA — About 350 people participated in the third annual Autism Walk in Ephrata.

The purpose of the walk is to promote awareness of Autism and to raise funds for the Autism Society of Grant County, said society President Mike Scellick.

During the event last Saturday, several individuals walked up Beezley Hill to the autism ribbon, he said. The 14-foot stainless steel ribbon was placed at the top of the hill in recognition of autism in May 2006.

“It’s the only ribbon like this in the United States,” he said.

There is a water fountain and benches near the ribbon. It overlooks Ephrata, Soap Lake and Frenchman Hills.

“It’s a beautiful view of the Columbia Basin,” he said.

The event was also educational.

Participants listened to a 10 minute discussion about autism and how it affects families, Scellick said. About 1 of every 150 children born are autistic.

“It’s a huge, huge undertaking,” he said. “Everybody is affected by it.”

He recalled how more than 60 people came for one Moses Lake family to the event to support a single autistic child.

Food was also served after the walk and youth played games.

The group raised about $2,000 through T-shirt sales and donations, he said.

“People want to help,” Scellick said. “It’s important to get them educated.”

The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Time Out Pizza. He invites the public to attend.