Children and teenage students from the Arizona Angels Studio, a dance studio in Scottsdale, AZ, raised $17,000 for children with autism. As part of their efforts, they participated in the first annual walk for Cure Autism Now at Tempe Town Lake and presented their donation check to Cindy McCain, wife of Senator John McCain.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) December 16, 2006 -- Children and teenage students from the Arizona Angels Studio, a dance studio in Scottsdale, AZ, raised $17,000 for children with autism. As part of their efforts, they participated in the first annual walk for Cure Autism Now at Tempe Town Lake and presented their donation check to Cindy McCain, wife of Senator John McCain.

"Inspired by the story of one student's twin brother, our 300 students and their families banded together to raise money to help fight autism. I was astounded at the donations they generated. There's just something about children helping other children; I'm truly proud of my students," remarked Amy Leroy-Gelb, founder and owner of the Arizona Angels Studio.

The Cure Autism Now Walk is a 5K (3.1 mile) family walk and autism community resource fair heightening public awareness and raising money to fund autism research. Proceeds from the walk support Cure Autism Now's mission to find the causes, effective treatments, prevention and a cure for autism.

The Autism Walk is one of many ways the Arizona Angels Studio is involved with the local community. As part of their culture, students are encouraged to become involved in acts of charitable service through activities such as raising $10,000 for Hurricane Katrina victims, feeding 350 homeless families during the Holidays, participating in the Special Olympics, and joining the Fashion Show to benefit the Emily Center at the Phoenix Children's Hospital.