More than 55,000 people are expected to unite for the 13th annual Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is North America’s largest grassroots autism walk and was named the highest fundraising autism walk in the country for 2014. Organized and led by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this fundraising effort generates funds for autism research, family programs and services, and raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism, the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the U.S., and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.

For the 12th year, ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Phillip Palmer will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Univision anchor Gabriela Teissier will also be participating. Many notable attendees feted to attend include Max Burkholder (Parenthood) and Cousin Sal (Jimmy Kimmel Live), among others.

The Walk Now for Autism events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks and have attracted hundreds of thousands of walkers worldwide who have raised tens of millions of dollars for autism research. Last year’s L.A. Autism Walk hosted 55,000 people and raised $1.88 million.

Registration, entertainment and stage programs begin at 8 a.m. The Walk starts at 9 a.m. and will continue on a rolling basis every ten minutes through 11:00 a.m.

Autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.