Harc Raises Over $23,000 With Virtual Walk

Press release from Harc:

May 28, 2020

16th Annual Harc Walk n’ Roll raises funds supporting individuals with intellectual disability despite forced cancellation of the event

Hartford, CT - Harc’s annual Walk n’ Roll usually draws hundreds of supporters from near and far to raise money for its many programs. The much-loved annual event was slated to take place on April 25th with partners the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Park. Due to COVID-19 state restrictions on public gatherings and events, Harc redesigned the fundraiser into a month-long event ending on May 31st allowing for participants to walk on their own time and locations. To date, $23,740 has been raised and donations are still coming in.

“We know the value of the walk and how incredibly passionate everyone is about it,” said Greg Calnen, Harc board, walk committee member and public policy & advocacy chair. “Since it is our only free event, it is a door into the organization to actually meet the people we serve.”

Taking up the challenge to keep this event as inclusive and celebratory as ever, participants took photos and videos of their walks and posted them on Facebook with the hashtag #HarcWalk.

“The extended event time allowed for more people to get involved and get creative in their approach. It goes to show the strength of our Harc family,” said Calnen.

Harc plans to create a compilation of all the videos and photos submitted to Facebook to share with participants and the broader community soon. The organization looks forward to the 2021 walk at Dunkin Donuts Park.

For more information about the 16th annual Walk n’ Roll, or other ways to donate to Harc, please contact Maureen Madden, Vice President of Development & Donor Relations at mmadden@harc-ct.org.

About Harc: Harc was founded in 1951 by visionary parents of children with intellectual disabilities who knew that their children had worth and immense possibilities. They became fierce advocates fighting against exclusion, isolation, discrimination, lack of opportunity, unemployment, and low expectations, and their grassroots efforts led to partnerships with generous individuals and corporations to raise funds and create life-changing programs. Today, Harc’s services begin at birth and continue throughout the lifespan, with a range of supportive, enrichment, employment, and residential services throughout Greater Hartford for participants and their families. For more information visit harc-ct.org.

This press release was produced by Harc. The views expressed here are the author's own.