Saturday's soggy weather didn't dampen the spirits of nearly 200 participants and visitors to the sixth-annual Walk for Autism and second-annual Cruise-In for a Cure at Spartan Stadium in Portsmouth.

Wendy Potts, president of the Autism Project of Southern Ohio, said proceeds from the event help individuals and their families in the southern Ohio area to have greater access to services, training, conferences and information related to autism that can improve their quality of life.

She said there are about 75 members of the Autism Project of Southern Ohio and about three-fourths of those are parents with autistic children.

"There's no accurate count of how many kids are affected with autism inside Scioto County," she said. "One in 150 are affected."

Last year, the event raised $13,000, but Potts said she feared the rainy weather would have an impact on this year's proceeds.

A few people had walked Saturday afternoon, but the official start time was delayed because of rain.

Erin Lute borrowed an umbrella to take her walk around the stadium. She works for The Carousel Center/Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

"I have a brother with autism and we service a lot of children with autism, so that's why I'm here," Lute said. She has worked at The Carousel Center for eight years.

While many showed up to walk, Potts said there weren't many cruisers.

"They like to keep their cars nice and clean, and I certainly understand that," she said.

A few vintage cars, however, were displayed outside the stadium.

Crafters and vendors also sold souvenirs and refreshments.

Potts, who has a 9-year-old son and a 4-year-old niece, both with autism, said puzzle pieces also were being sold to raise enough funds to contribute to a $1 million research project regarding vaccination versus non-vaccination. She said a bus trip is set for June 3, to rally with actors Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey in Washington, D.C., who are inviting everyone to come and rally to bring awareness about autism. McCarthy's son is autistic.

Potts said there are 52 spaces available on the bus. The cost is $55 each. It is scheduled to leave the evening of June 3, and returns the evening of June 4.

She emphasized her gratitude for business and community support.

"We will make certain that your funds are well spent," Potts said.

For more information about the Washington, D.C., trip, call Potts at (740) 259-0055.

DEBORAH DANIELS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 234.