Three thousand nine hundred and fifty. That's how many steps Shelley Meyer took at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Saturday morning.
Meyer was one of 67 participants of the first "Stomp the Swamp," an event that helped raise money for UF's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
Meyer said she participated in the event because she wants to help children with autism such as her nephew, Logan. She was sponsored by Desert Gator Club, a Phoenix-based UF alumni organization.
"Why not get a good workout in while helping out a good cause at the same time?" she said.
As of Saturday afternoon, the event raised $1,206 for the center, which provides support, information and help for autism and other disabilities.
Virginia McMormac, 51, attended the event with her two autistic sons, Erin and David.
McMormac looked on delightfully as David, 15, played basketball with Albert, UF's mascot.
"I would walk a million miles to see that smile," she said.
McMormac said her family has received tremendous support from the center.
"It is our turn to support them," she said.
Amanda Cruz, coordinator of the event and a UF sophomore, started planning the event in October.
Cruz said one family in particular made her take action. One of her professors, Bonnie Johnson, has a son, David, who was diagnosed with autism when he was 1 year old.
"When I heard his story, it really touched my heart," she said. "I just knew I had to do something."
Cruz said she plans to put on the event again next year.
"We will continue the fight against autism, one step at a time," she said.
