On Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) celebrated its fifth annual YES Day Walk for Autism — a fundraising and awareness campaign that concluded with a free community event and celebration at Tempe Beach Park.
This year’s YES Day marked a record-breaking milestone, with 261 registered teams and nearly 5,000 attendees coming together to support SARRC’s mission.
The morning kicked off with inspiring energy as celebrity trainer Chris Powell led the crowd in an exciting warm-up before the one-mile walk began. Thousands of participants joined together along the route, celebrating community and inclusion every step of the way. Following the walk, guests explored more than 65 autism providers from across the state, enjoyed a variety of food trucks, games, and family activities, and visited a free pumpkin patch generously provided by Sprouts, the event’s presenting partner.
With $445,000 raised, the event will help expand SARRC’s reach through vital programs, services, and research efforts.
Through SARRC’s YES Day for Autism, we continue to celebrate what’s possible when our community comes together to share resources, collaborate, and say “yes” for people with autism and their families. Thank you for your leadership, advocacy, and continued commitment to helping make events like YES Day possible. Your support amplifies our reach and impact year after year.
