KITTERY, Maine — A group of college students will roll into town next week after covering more than 2,000 miles across 14 states — on Rollerblades — in an effort to raise money for autism research.
The trip started as an idea among a small group of college students from Union College in New York and quickly grew to include more than 50 people from all over the Northeast.
Union College senior Dan Tatar, whose brother, Ben, has autism, spearheaded the trip that started in June.
The crew started training in April and has been traveling about 40 miles a day on inline skates. It's made stops in Savannah and Charleston, S.C.; Washington, D.C.; New York; and Boston.
And as the skaters cross the finish line at the Kittery Trading Post on Sunday, Aug. 19, they kick off a daylong event celebrating their trip.
"I'm always impressed to see young people giving so generously of their time and energy to help others," said Kevin Adams, president and chief executive officer of Kittery Trading Post. "Kittery Trading Post is pleased to provide a finish line for Rolling for Autism's 2,000-mile effort."
Tatar and the rest of the Rolling for Autism crew set a goal of raising $500,000 to benefit individuals affected by autism and to increase autism awareness among young adults across the country.
Sunday's event celebrating the trip's completion kicks off at 9 a.m. with activities for kids and guest speeches from local autism experts, including representatives from The Birchtree Center of Portsmouth.
Autism is the third most common developmental disorder in the United States, and by the next decade, it could affect 4 million Americans, according to a Rolling for Autism press release.
ON THE NET
For details on Rolling For Autism, e-mail team@rollingforautism.com or visit www.rollingforautism.com.