Sunday’s 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis, the non-profit’s signature “friend-raising” and awareness building event, benefited from beautiful fall weather and a large turnout.
Many of those who take part in the do so because they are inspired by the story of a friend or family member with a developmental disability.
The event is a tremendous amount of work to organize. Staff and volunteers were ready for the hundreds who turned out for the double header, which started at 9:00am with a 5K run and ended with a 1K walk at 11:00am. But there was much more. Billy Blanks Jr made the warm ups super fun with his contagious smile and dance moves. Kids enjoyed free activities including the popular face painting and bubble bus.
As of Monday the website noted the $180,000 fundraising goal was exceeded, with $225,649 raised.
Funds raised will support all of Abilis’ programs and services, and help ensure that the organization is able to continue their mission to the more than 800 individuals and families they support annually.
Ross Perry gives an old friend a bear hug at the 17th Annual Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie Yager
Abilis provides early intervention and customized therapies, as well as family education and advocacy to help individuals achieve important developmental milestones through our Therapeutic Services programs. As individuals approach and enter adulthood, we provide a wide range of Life Services programs, including recreational activities, transition and life skills support, job training, competitive and supported employment, individual life planning, and a choice of residential options.
Abilis Life Services programs are provided throughout Fairfield County, while our Therapeutic Services programs are centered in our Stamford office. Our LEAP transitions services for young adults are centrally located in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, and Wilton. Abilis manages over 61 residential homes in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, and Norwalk, and works with numerous schools, civic organizations, and other community partners to deliver programs to individuals and families when and where they need them most.
The 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis took place at Tod’s Point on Sunday, October 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis took place at Tod’s Point on Sunday, October 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis took place at Tod’s Point on Sunday, October 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis took place at Tod’s Point on Sunday, October 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis took place at Tod’s Point on Sunday, October 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerRachel and Sophie Khanna after running the 5K for Abilis, which was the first part of the annual event. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerSusan Ferris joins the Abilis Walk at Tod’s Point on Sunday Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis took place at Tod’s Point on Sunday, October 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe bubble bus was back by popular demand at the 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerDanny Clarke and Danielle Annunziata warmed up for the 1K Walk at Tod’s Point. Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerEd Lopez, State Rep Steve Meskers (D-150), State Senator Ryan Fazio and Michelle Yoon participate in the Abilis Walk/Run. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerRose Nichols volunteering at the Abilis Walk/Run. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerPeter Sherr and Greg Frumin participate in the Abilis Walk/Run. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerBilly Blanks Jr led warmups for the walk portion of the 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis. Oct 17, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerFace painting was popular at the 17th annual Abilis Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerMike Spizzirri and Chris Cavin at the Abilis Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerHundreds participated in the 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerSelectwomen Janet Stone McGuigan and Lauren Rabin with Andrea Blume and Hector Arzeno. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerErica Klair, Director of Marketing and Communications for Abilis, with former CEO Dennis Perry and Director of Therapies Karen Feder at the 17th annual Walk/Fun for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point, Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerRoss Perry and Alexandra Frumin at the Abilis Walk/Run at Tod’s Point on October 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Abilis Amy Montimurro at the 17th annual Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerPJ and Sharon Vecchiolla at the 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe bubble bus was back by popular demand at the 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerAlexandra Frumin dances with Billy Blanks Jr at the 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie Yager Scores of volunteers made possible Sunday’s 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie YagerThe 17th annual Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie Yager
