Bucs after Dark: Tampa Bay Buccaneers to host Autism Speaks Walk

Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be hosting the Autism Speaks Walk and will be led by left tackle Donovan Smith.

When thinking of Raymond James Stadium the first thing that usually comes to mind is that it is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This upcoming April 27th, Raymond James Stadium will be the host to the 2019 Tampa area Autism Speaks Walk and Bucs left tackle Donovan Smith will be there leading the way.

Autism Speaks is an organization that goes city to city around the country to raise awareness and funds for research to help the autism community and the people of that community as much as possible to lead a normal and healthy lifestyle. Autism often refers to a wide variety of conditions and symptoms most commonly known to affect speech, body language, social skills and other behaviors that make daily interactions very difficult.

Autism affects roughly one of every 59 children in the United States. While people with autism struggle with certain aspects of life they also excel in other areas of life more than most.

With the rate for a child to have autism currently at one in every 59 kids it is very common to have a family member or a close friend who knows or lives with someone with Autism. Smith is involved with Autism Speaks because he is looking to raise awareness for his nephew who has autism. In the past Smith has been involved and volunteered at many autism awareness events along with his Tampa Bay teammates.

Raymond James Stadium playing as host for the 2019 walk provides fans an opportunity to give back to their community while being able to enjoy the home of the Bucs in a way they may have never imagined before. The city of Tampa Bay has a current goal to raise $351,400 and is currently sitting at $96,040 raised.

Autism Speaks provides opportunities to donate money, sponsor the walk and offers volunteer opportunities for those looking to serve the community. If you are interested in finding out more and getting involved reach out to Katy Moreno at 407-473-0309 or email them at TampaBayWalk@autismspeaks.org