Model Hopes to Make Waves for Autism Awareness

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Known as the pretty face behind Abercrombie & Fitch and Armani marketing campaigns, Ford model Lane Carlson will this week promote a different kind of cause: autism awareness.
As part of a fund-raising event called Sea Paddle NYC, a 28-mile paddle race around New York City, Mr. Carlson looks to help raise $250,000 to benefit autism awareness and research groups, such as Autism Family Services of New Jersey, Autism Speaks and Surfers Healing, a volunteer group that facilitates surfing adventures for autistic children.Sea Paddle NYC is hosted by environmental advocacy group Surfers' Environmental Alliance.
On Aug. 13, Mr. Carlson and about 200 other paddlers will head north up the Hudson River, across the Harlem River and south down the East River, culminating at the South Street Seaport where there will be a charity poker benefit.