Abilis will bring its annual Walk/Run back to Greenwich Point Park on Sunday, Oct. 11, marking 21 years of the fundraiser.
The event supports day programs for more than 800 people with disabilities in Greenwich and surrounding towns. It takes place at the Clambake area of Tod's Point in Old Greenwich, and participants can choose a 1-mile accessible walk, a 5K run, or both. Registration is free for walkers, $35 for runners 12 and older, and $10 for runners 11 and younger at abilis.us/walkrun.
Fitness instructor and choreographer Billy Blanks Jr., founder of the dance fitness program Dance It Out, will lead a warm-up at 8:30 a.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m., with awards following. A second warm-up precedes the walk, which begins at 11 a.m. The event wraps by 12:30 p.m.
Abilis calls the gathering a "friendraiser."
Carnival for a Cause, run by the Abilis Youth Board, returns with games and activities for children, along with a balloon artist, face painting, music, dancing, and a pop-up Abilis Gardens & Gifts shop, according to the Greenwich Sentinel.
Proceeds will fund individualized life-skills training, job coaching, and friendship-building activities in Abilis' day program. The organization said state funding covers large-group supports but not the one-on-one attention its members need; Walk/Run dollars help fill that gap.
Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis, has emphasized the organization's focus on building independence. In July, speaking about a separate employment initiative, Montimurro said meaningful employment opportunities "can build confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose."
Founded in 1951, Abilis is headquartered at 50 Glenville Street in Greenwich and is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. First Selectman Fred Camillo proclaimed April 25 as "Abilis 75 Years of Inclusion and Opportunity Day," according to a town proclamation. The nonprofit serves families in Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Westport, Ridgefield and Wilton.
On-site registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 11. Teams and individuals are encouraged to wear creative T-shirts, hats, or banners for a chance at prizes. Light snacks and coffee will be provided. DARCARS is the diamond sponsor; Holland & Knight is the Premiere Platinum Sponsor. Those interested in sponsoring can contact Jennifer Flatow at [email protected] or call (203) 531-1880.
Upcoming community events:
- Sunday, Oct. 11 — Abilis Walk/Run, Greenwich Point Park (Tod's Point), Old Greenwich. 5K at 9 a.m., walk at 11 a.m. Register at abilis.us/walkrun.
