Abilis Annual Walk/Run at Tod’s Point Set for Sunday, Oct 13

The 19th annual Walk/Run for Abilis is set for Sunday, Oct 13 in the Clam Bake area at Greenwich Point.

Participants walk 1-mile or run a 5k at this family-friendly fun event that is Abilis’ largest “friend-raiser” of the year.

Participants can register in advance at abilis.us/walkrun. Registration is FREE for walkers, and $35 for 5k runners 12+ or $5 for runners ages 11 and under.

Each year, Abilis has a special community member as its Walk/Run for Abilis Ambassador. This year, Abilis is proud to announce that Sam Parks, age 23, of Stamford, is the official Walk/Run Ambassador.

Sam began his journey with Abilis in the organization’s REACH program, which is a supported living program designed for individuals 18 and older who have a level of physical and mental health, and the safety skills needed to live independently, without 24/7 support.

REACH stands for: Residential, Education & Employment, Activities, Community and Health.

The Abilis REACH program helped Sam live in his own apartment and immerse himself in the Stamford community. With the support of Abilis, Sam has become an active member of the REACH program and Abilis community, participating in a wide range of activities, from bowling and potluck dinners to going to the movies. Through REACH, Sam has made many new friends and has found a sense of belonging in his new community.

In addition to his involvement with REACH, Sam is also a graduate of Project SEARCH at Stamford Hospital, a 10-month intensive internship training program run by Abilis.

Being a part of Project SEARCH provided Sam the opportunity to work in different hospital departments, gaining valuable skills and experience. Since graduating, Sam spent his summer volunteering at the Stamford Health Tully Center in the Operating Room department, and he will start a part-time job there in October.

When he’s not volunteering or attending events, Sam enjoys playing with his two dogs, Saddie and Teddy, playing Xbox, and taking trips to New York City to see Broadway shows and spend time with his two big brothers. Known for his friendly and social nature, Sam loves to stay busy and never misses a chance to make people smile.

“We are thrilled to have Sam Parks as our 2024 Walk/Run for Abilis Ambassador,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis.

“Sam exemplifies all of the wonderful skills and positive attributes we love to see in our community members,” she added. “He is dedicated, thoughtful, hardworking, reliable, social and happy. We are so proud of his hard work in the Project SEARCH program at Stamford Hospital and being an active community member in our REACH program, showing everyone that he can live and work independently with the supports Abilis provides. We’re excited to showcase Sam’s abilities at this year’s Walk/Run for Abilis as our official ambassador.”

In addition to the 1-mile walk and 5k run, Walk/Run for Abilis will also feature the popular Carnival for a Cause, kids’ activities, Abilis Gardens & Gifts and more.

Funds raised from the 2024 Walk/Run for Abilis will be restricted to new initiatives at Abilis, ensuring Abilis’ continued support of serving the more than 800 individuals and their families supported annually in Fairfield County.

Walk/Run for Abilis is Abilis’ largest annual fundraiser and its signature “friend-raising” event of the year. Many who take part in Walk/Run for Abilis do so because they are inspired by a friend or family member with a developmental disability. Teams are encouraged to create team t-shirts, buttons, hats or create their own banner to increase visibility, show team spirit and potentially win a prize.

The morning event is held rain or shine and opens at 7:30am for registration. A fun run warm-up is at 8:30am with music and dancing, with the run starting at 9:00am, and the walk at 11:00am. The whole event is over by 12:30pm.