The annual Abilis Walk/Run fundraiser took place Sunday morning featuring a 5K Run, 1-Mile Walk and celebrity fitness instructor Billy Blanks Jr, who led a warmup for participants with fun dances and moves.
After many weekends of heavy rain, the skies cleared for the event, and the temps hovered around 60° – perfect for a brisk walk or run.
This year’s Abilis Walk/Run ambassador was Kristen Schumacher, 23, of Stamford who helped kick-off the festivities.
Amy Montimurro President/CEO of Abilis with Kristen Schumacher, the 2023 ambassador for Abilis. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager.
Kristen lives in an Abilis residence and is part of the Abilis competitive employment program. She has been with Abilis since she was a baby, starting with the Abilis Birth to Three program.
Today she works at Greenwich Country Club and at the Abilis Café, located at the Abilis headquarters, where she is responsible for setting up the Café every day. She is also a graduate of the Abilis Project SEARCH program at the Darien YMCA.
Activities at this year’s Walk/Run for Abilis included celebrity fitness guru and choreographer Billy Blanks Jr, who reprised his role as master of ceremonies and warmed up the crowd in the Tod’s Point Clambake area with fun dance and exercise moves and stretching.
The Dance Pointe troupe showed off some of their dance moves. Carnival for a Cause, face painting and a balloon artist entertained the kids.
Runners of all ages participated in the 5K portion of the Abilis Walk/Run on Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
The funds raised at Walk/Run for Abilis will be restricted to new initiatives at Abilis to support the 800+ individuals with disabilities and their families, throughout lower Fairfield County.
Abilis is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families from birth throughout their lives.
Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in providing meaningful supports to the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton. The organization has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high-quality care.
Volunteer Chris Cavin with Abilis President/CEO Amy Montimurro and Billy Blanks Jr at the annual Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 15, 2023
Rachel and Sophie Khanna with Greenwich Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Participants in the 5K run ready to warm up with Billy Blanks Jr at Tod’s Point Clambake Area. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Abilis Board members ready for the annual Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Runners head from the Clambake Area at Tod’s Point to the starting line for the 5K. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Selling items from the Abilis Garden & Gifts Shop. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Participants in the 5K portion of the Walk/Run ready to warm up with Billy Blanks Jr. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Kristen Schumacher with Masthead founder and CEO Elizabeth Chabner Thompson, MD, getting ready for the 5K run at the Abilis Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Billy Blanks Jr greets participants during the warm up at the annual Walk/Run for Abilis. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
The crowd always gets into the warm up with Billy Blanks Jr. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
The crowd always gets into the warm up with Billy Blanks Jr. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Steve Chronert, Abilis board member Vincent Annunziata with Jill and Joe Kelly at the Abilis Walk/Run. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Ross Perry, always with a smile, at the Abilis Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 25, 2023 Photo Leslie Yager
Girls from The Dance Pointe warm up with Billy Blanks Jr at the Abilis Walk/Run. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie yager
Warming up before the 5K at the annual Abilis Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Warming up before the 5K at the annual Abilis Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Warming up before the 5K at the annual Abilis Walk/Run at Tod’s Point. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Runners in the 5K portion of the annual Walk/Run at the starting line. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Runners in the 5K portion of the annual Walk/Run at the starting line. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Runners in the 5K portion of the annual Walk/Run. Oct 15, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager