FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – The Dan Marino Foundation teamed up with local South Florida autism agencies for the foundation’s WalkAbout Autism.

Held at SunLife Stadium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, the event benefitted the Autism Societies of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, UM-NSU CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) and The Dan Marino Foundation.

Driven by individuals with autism, their families and friends, the historic fundraising effort generated awareness and crucial funds for autism services.

According to the press release, all proceeds raised through the event stay in the local community and participating South Florida schools will receive 25% of the money raised by their teams to support special needs programming in their school. The event was sponsored by Walgreens.

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder; according to the Center for Disease Control. 1 in 88 children in the United States have autism.

“As parents of children with autism, my wife Rachel and I are thrilled to be a part of the Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism,” noted Jeff Ireland, general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

“We know first hand the importance of support services for children and adults with autism and this event will raise money specifically for those services right here in South Florida.  Having the event at Sun Life Stadium where Dan played his Hall of Fame career for the Miami Dolphins seems like the perfect choice,” Ireland added.

For more information or to create a team, visit www.dmfwalkaboutautism.org.