Community Access Unlimited Of Union County Walk-A-Thon Raises $40,000

by Community Access Unlimited

With Aretha Franklin on the public address system calling for “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” members of Community Access Unlimited (CAU), along with friends, family, volunteers, staff and donors, recently stepped off the line for the 16th Annual Ira Geller Memorial Walk-a-Thon held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

The event drew more than 400 walkers and donors, who raised $40,000 to support the agency’s programs.CAU provides support programs and services to people with disabilities and youth served under the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enable them to live independently in the community, in areas including housing, vocational and life-skills training, education, advocacy and recreation.

“CAU members work and live in the community,” said CAU executive director Sid Blanchard. “This is an opportunity for them to enjoy a day of recreation with other members of the community while also raising funds for the programs and services that help them live independent and fulfilling lives.

“This is a community celebration. It brings together CAU members, trustees, staff, supporters and businesses to show that we care for others.”

Pearl Elias has been a member of CAU for 34 years. She worked on her own for years but after losing her job 11 years ago, began working in the CAU cafeteria.

“They do a lot for me,” she said.

Elias lives on her own in Elizabeth and said CAU staffers helped her with finances, budgeting and other support training that ensures she can continue to live independently.

“I like the freedom,” she said. “I’ll be here for the next 34 years.”

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who participated in the walk and welcomed participants, said, “CAU does so much to help the community. The agency holds a special place in Union County.”

Kowalski praised Blanchard and the CAU board of trustees for their leadership.

“They are constantly seeking ways to improve the lives of the disabled,” she said. “Their efforts show that our community is made up of people of all abilities.”

Sponsors of the event included…

Also working to help stage the event were a group of New Brunswick High School students who annually attend the walk-a-thon as a community service project under the national Play It Smart program. Play It Smart encourages student-athletes to take responsibility for their futures through sports, classroom work and community involvement.

The students helped erect the balloon arc that marked the starting line, provided a cheering section for the participants at the start of the race and friendly welcoming committee at the end of the walk and helped serve lunch.

Junior Yvonne Gurrelo, 17, said she volunteers regularly for community events and enjoyed the CAU walk-a-thon.

“This is a good community effort,” she said.

Sophomore Irme Mejia, 15, said she also volunteered for an Alzheimer’s walk-a-thon and for Special Olympics.

“This helps people out. It’s really great,” she said.

CAU serves more than 4,500 members with a staff of more than 800. As he kicked off the walk-a-thon, Blanchard noted, “We are here as a community, supporting families and community people.”

Photo Caption: Walkers at the 16th Annual Ira Geller Memorial Walk-a-Thon of Community Access Unlimited raised $40,000 for the agency’s programs and services that serve people with disabilities and youth served under the Department of Children and Families.