LIVERPOOL -- One piece at a time was the theme for the Autism Awareness Walk at Longbranch Park in Liverpool Sunday morning.

More than 500 people preregistered for the event to help raise awareness about the developmental disorder. Studies estimate that as many as 12 in every 10,000 children have autism or a related condition.

At Sunday’s event, Kohl’s Department Store presented the Golisano Children’s Hospital with a check for $180,000. That money will be used locally for events like Sunday’s walk and for a program in local elementary schools to help children better understand Autism.