Ohio Naturopathic Valley Autism 5K raises money for Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley

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Neighbors | Submitted.Pictured, from left, are Bill Masters (trainer), Dr. Ted Suzelis (Naturopathic Doctor and organizer of Valley Autism 5K), four Ohio Naturopathic Couch to 5K group participants and Sarah Terlecki (trainer).

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Neighbors | Submitted.Winners of the 10 Mile Relay, Team Joshua, consisting of Bill Maust and Joshua Maust are pictured participating in the Ohio Naturopathic Valley Autism 5K.

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Neighbors | Submitted .Drew Tarantino participated in the Ohio Naturopathic Valley Autism 5k on Aug. 21.

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Neighbors | Submitted .Joe Ginocchi runs on the trail for the 5k benefiting The Autism Societies of Trumbull and Mahoning counties.

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Neighbors | Submitted .Two young participants run as part of the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center's annual 5K.

The Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center of Boardman hosted its third 5K charity event on Aug. 21 in Canfield. This year’s proceeds were donated to The Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley.

The center, along with owner Dr. Ted Suzelis, ND, business sponsors and runner registrations raised more than $2,000. The money will be used to help offset costs of the Youngstown Camp FRIEND program, SAFE’s Circle of Friends and other much needed social group programs.

“I want to send a big thanks to the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center for organizing and hosting the Valley Autism 5K and donating all proceeds to The Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley,” said Aundrea Cika, director of the Mahoning Valley office. “These funds will ensure the continuance of greatly needed programs like Camp FRIEND, SAFE’s Circle of Friends and Social Connections and our parent information workshops.”

The event highlights included the band Blue Spectrum from Columbus playing throughout the morning and the first place 10-Mile Relay team, Team Joshua, a parent pushing his autistic son in a jogging stroller.

“We are happy we were able to organize this event to help local children, teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. We are a small business, so it was a lot of work for us, but our local autism community will greatly benefit. We consider it time well spent,” said Suzelis, owner of Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center. “We hope to be able to help with this event in the future and ask that if you are interested in being a sponsor, volunteer or participant to contact our center or the Autism Society directly.”

Event sponsors included the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center of Boardman, Humtown Products of Columbiana, Aaris Therapy Group of Warren, Second Sole of Boardman, Reflexology with Karen Ann of Boardman, Melissa Mullane Padgett DDS of Boardman, AllState Insurance of Canfield, Maui Toys of Youngstown, Healthy Treasures of Newton Falls, Beth McCallister Freelance Web Designer of Columbiana, Massage Cafe of Canfield, Comfort Inn of Austintown and The Vindicator of Youngstown.

For more information on the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center or the Valley Autism 5K, go to OhioND.com or ValleyAutism5K.com or call 330-729-1350.