Annual ‘Walk With Me’ family fun event to benefit children with disabilities
On Saturday, Feb. 20, Southwest Human Development will host the eighth annual Walk With Me family fun walk presented by the Arizona Coyotes Foundation and HumanaVitality 5K run at Scottsdale Civic Center Park to benefit the nonprofit’s Easter Seals services for young children with disabilities.
The event will feature a one-mile family fun walk and 5K run, kid’s activities, music, food, a community resource fair, after party at The Saguaro, and more! Event check-in begins at 7 a.m., the run starts at 8 a.m., and the walk kicks off at 9:30 a.m.
“Each year, 1,500 people join Walk With Me to help raise funds for children with disabilities,” said Ginger Ward, CEO of Southwest Human Development. “This event is a great opportunity for our community and families who have been helped by our programs to come together to help make a positive difference in the lives of young children.”
In 2015, Walk With Me raised more than $190,000 for the early childhood nonprofit. Some of this year’s sponsors include the Arizona Coyotes Foundation; Humana; Willis Towers Watson; FUD, the Bar-S Foods subsidiary; Delta Dental of Arizona; Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck; Vonage; Vonage Business; and Discount School Supply.
“I don’t think there has been anyone who has done as much for us along our journey as Southwest Human Development,” said Amanda Gomez, whose son Santino received services from the ADAPT Shop at Southwest Human Development. “They have given Santino so many opportunities to grow and thrive.”
The event will be held at Scottsdale Civic Center Park, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. in Scottsdale. To register, form a walk team or donate, visit www.swhd.org/walk. For questions about the event, contact Louann Phillips at (602) 224-1759 or lophillips@swhd.org.
About Southwest Human Development
Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. Recognizing a child’s earliest experiences and relationships establish the foundation for all future development, Southwest Human Development’s more than 40 comprehensive programs focus on young children – ages birth to 5 – and their families in the areas of child development and mental health, Easter Seals disabilities services, Early Literacy and Head Start, child welfare and professional education. Founded in 1981, Southwest Human Development serves 135,000 children and families each year. Learn more at www.swhd.org.