By Jenifer Howard
As the leaves begin to change and the cool autumn air sets in, the Greenwich community is preparing for one of its favorite fall events, the 19th Annual Walk/Run for Abilis! This year, the event will take place on Sunday, October 13, at the Clam Bake area of Greenwich Point Park. Offering both a 1-mile walk and a 5k run, the event brings together family, friends and community members for a day of fun, fitness and celebration — perfect for all ages — and in support of Abilis, the nonprofit dedicated to providing lifelong support for individuals with disabilities in Fairfield County.
“Walk/Run for Abilis is one of our favorite events of the year,” noted Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. “Families participate for a variety of reasons with many knowing someone or personally having a loved one with a disability. Others support the work Abilis does in the community, which ranges from our Birth to Three programs for babies and toddlers that need some help achieving milestones or have an autism diagnosis, to our award-winning employment training programs like Project SEARCH, Abilis Gardens & Gifts and our Cafés, as well as our life skills programs REACH and LEAP, and our loving and nurturing residential programs that serve our Abilis community members at every stage of adulthood.”
This year’s Walk/Run for Abilis will raise funds for new initiatives at Abilis that are in support of serving the more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families in Fairfield County.
Walk/Run for Abilis not only serves as a major “friend-raiser” fundraiser for the organization, but also creates an opportunity for the community to rally together to honor those in their lives who have developmental disabilities. Teams proudly show off custom team shirts, banners and accessories, (a few tiaras and capes have been known to make appearances), showing their support for family and friends. This year, participants can expect even more excitement with the popular Carnival for a Cause kids’ activities with games, arts and crafts, face painting and more! Abilis Gardens & Gifts will also be there showcasing some of its wonderful fall items and flowers.
Montimurro noted that the popular warm-up session for the run and walk will also be featured with celebrity fitness expert Billy Blanks, Jr., energizing the crowd!
Registration is FREE for walkers, $35 for 5k runners 12 and older, or $5 for runners aged 11 and under. The 5k portion of the event has grown in popularity over the years and has become one of the premiere 5k runs for all ages to participate in! On-site registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with a fun run warm-up at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5k at 9:00 a.m. and the 1-mile walk at 11:00 a.m. The event is rain or shine. Advance registration is recommended at abilis.us/walkrun.
In addition to the family fun, one of the highlights of the event is the recognition of the Walk/Run Ambassador! This year’s Walk/Run Ambassador is 23-year-old Sam Parks from Stamford, Connecticut. Sam has been part of the Abilis community for several years and is an inspiring example of what individuals can achieve with support. Sam’s journey began in the REACH program, which helps young adults live independently while providing the skills and resources they need to thrive. Through REACH, Sam moved into his own apartment and found a sense of community, making lifelong friends through group activities. Sam is also a graduate of Project SEARCH at Stamford Hospital, where he gained experience in various departments, eventually leading to volunteer work in the operating room at Stamford Health Tully Center. This fall, Sam will begin a part-time job there. His dedication is a testament to the effectiveness of Abilis’ programs.
Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in the disability community in Fairfield County, offering individualized, high-quality care and support from birth through adulthood. Serving more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families, Abilis serves the towns of Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Westport and Wilton.
This year’s event is supported by wonderful sponsors, including DARCARS, Holland & Knight, William Blair, The Custar Family, J. Dwyer Builder’s and General Contracting, The First Bank of Greenwich, Moffly Media, The Jordan Company as well as COBS Bread.
To register, visit abilis.us/walkrun.
Jenifer Howard is a Greenwich resident and public relations professional, who works with tech, consumer product companies and nonprofit organizations through her agency J. Howard Public Relations (JHPR).
