PHOTOS: Hundreds Turn Out for 10th Annual Walk for Abilis at the Beach

Hundreds turned out for a fundraising “Walk for Abilis” on Sunday at Greenwich Point. The group gathered in the clambake area, and after First Selectman Peter Tesei read aloud a proclamation reflecting that the event was the 10th annual walk, everyone gathered warm up to music, as the temperature had taken a dip over the weekend.

10th Annual Walk for Abilis

Leading the warm-up to music at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis at Greenwich Point, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

Dennis Perry, the Abilis President and CEO led the countdown for the noon Walk with his son at his side.

With an improvised “ribbon” of yellow caution tape, and a pair of scissors, the Perrys kicked off the walk, and hundreds of Abilis friends and family headed toward the seafront, inhaling the crisp sea air.

“The turnout is robust,” Mr. Perry said. “Compared to last year there are a lot more families and friends. We’re so happy – this is just a group of nice people.”

A nice touch this year was that the GHS cheerleaders and their coaches cheered on the participants. The girls organized themselves in two rows, and cheered as hundreds passed through their gauntlet of pom poms.

10th Annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

GHS cheerleaders rooted for the participants in the 10th Annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager


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The one mile stroll meandered through Greenwich Point park and made for a fabulous day celebrating community and supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. The family-friendly event was designed for individuals of all ages and abilities, and included music, a bouncy castle and food trucks.

Abilis serves people with developmental disabilities throughout their lives. Respect for people – their dreams, dignity and personal preferences – guides everything Abilis does. Their vision is one society in which people of all abilities participate and contribute as equal citizens.

walk for abilis

GHS cheerleaders rooted for the participants in the 10th Annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

lisa danielle carmelina

GHS cheer leading coaches Carmelina Castiglione and Danielle Carrizzo, with WGCH radio personality Lisa Wexler at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

10th Annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

Ladies of 101 arriving at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015

danielle's friends

A huge number of Friends and family of Danielle Annunziata in the final stretch of the 10th Annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

walk for abilis

Celebrating completion of the one-mile Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

walk for abilis

Hundreds set out for a one mile walk for Abilis at Greenwich Point on Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

walk for abilis

The crowd gathered at the clambake area at Greenwich Point for the 10th annual Walk for Abilis on Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

All smiles for the 10th Annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

All smiles for the 10th Annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

walk for abilis

All smiles for the 10th Annual Walk for Abilis, Oct. 18, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

Ladies of 101

Our friends from 101 Orchard participated in the Walk for Abilis in style! Credit: Leslie Yager

GHS cheerleaders

The GHS cheerleaders and their coaches cheered on the participants at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis. The girls organized themselves in two rows, and cheered as hundreds passed through their gauntlet of pom poms, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

barbara

Barbara, one of the Ladies of 101 Orchard, waved as she approached the final stretch of the Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

group walk

Hundreds participated in the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

proclamation

First Selectman Peter Tesei read a proclamation, which he presented to Amy while Selectman John Toner looked on. Credit: Leslie Yager

wali for abilis

Fist bump at the starting line at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

cheerleaders

The GHS cheerleaders and their coaches cheered on the participants at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

walk for abilis

The GHS cheerleaders and their coaches cheered on the participants at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

walk for abilis

The GHS cheerleaders and their coaches cheered on the participants at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

walk for abilis

The GHS cheerleaders and their coaches cheered on the participants at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

walk for abilis

The GHS cheerleaders and their coaches cheered on the participants at the 10th annual Walk for Abilis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

 Hundreds set out for a one mile walk for Abilis at Greenwich Point on Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

Hundreds set out for a one mile walk for Abilis at Greenwich Point on Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager