Walk With Me raises over $163,000 for children with disabilities
Community members and disability advocates from around the Valley gathered at Scottsdale Civic Center Park from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning to walk the extra mile to support children with disabilities. The ninth annual Walk With Me family fun walk and carnival attracted over 1,000 participants. With the help of sponsors and dedicated fundraisers, Walk With Me events raised $163,090, as donations continue to roll in.
Supporters, parents, children and canine friends flooded in through registration during the crisp morning hours ready for the one-mile family fun walk and carnival. Walk With Me ambassadors and families rallied together at the event to show support. One ambassador mother took to the stage to share her story and kick off the morning’s events.
Emily, Walk With Me ambassador Annabel‘s mom, passionately voiced why programs and services for children with disabilities are so important to her family. Her daughter was diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and is one of the many inspiring ambassadors whose vibrant personalities capture hearts everywhere.
“We are so grateful to Southwest Human Development and each Walk With Me participant for their support,” said Emily. “Thank you for supporting our family, thank you for teaching us that we could support our daughter, and thank you for helping us give our daughter a voice.”
Annabel’s story left the crowd inspired, and eager to put their best root forward at the walk starting line.
Throughout the morning, participants enjoyed childhood fair games including a ring toss, duck pond and balloon pop alongside trending activities like giant hamster balls, big ball wipe out, a VELCRO wall and more. In between games, children danced the morning away, while beloved mascots including the Arizona Coyotes’ Howler, the Fiesta Bowl’s Spirit and Muscular Moving Men’s Buddy the Box roamed the grounds spreading positivity.
Walk With Me resulted in tremendous success. Every dollar raised benefits Arizona children with disabilities. Southwest Human Development is grateful to each and every sponsor, fundraiser, ambassador family, and participant for making the day possible.
A special thank you to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, Walk With Me’s presenting sponsor, Humana Go365 and all of the amazing sponsors who contributed to this year’s success!