Alicia started team Walkin’ with Grace in 2022, honoring her daughter, Grace, who’s on the autism spectrum.
“We rally behind her and cheer for her in the present, but also for her future and for all those in the state who have autism,” Alicia expressed with genuine enthusiasm.
Fueled by her desire to contribute to the local autism community, Alicia created a team committee with seven close friends. A season of dedicated effort earned team Walkin’ with Grace the Spectrum Spirit Award (a special award given each year to the highest fundraising team); and Alicia proudly watched Grace be crowned as that year’s Grand Marshal.
“It wasn’t just about Grace, it was that everybody was there, supporting those with autism in the state—and my heart was so full.” Alicia described with tears in her eyes. “Just getting to do something based around Grace and having something that’s got her name on it… it’s nice to be able to have something like that for [her] because she will likely not have a normal legacy piece… so now I get to help build that for her.”
Team Walkin’ with Grace has been among the top fundraising teams every year since 2022, winning the Spectrum Spirit Award again in 2025.
“Just do it!” Alicia encouraged other team captains. “No idea is a bad idea! You’d be surprised what might work well for your group… just doing something and taking action is a huge catalyst for miraculous things.”
