ACLD Foundation's May 20 Journey To An Enviable Life Walk/Run Supporting Kids & Adults with Disabilities

April 14, 2017; Bethpage, NY – Join the ACLD Foundation and help support the 3,000 people that Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD), headquartered in Bethpage, NY, serves each year by taking part in the second annual Journey To An Enviable Life 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Heckscher State Park in East Islip. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. Registration is now underway and will continue through day of the event.

In addition to the 5K Walk/Run, there will also be a 1K Fun Run. Both are non-competitive, untimed events that take place on flat, paved courses to give adults and children of all ages an opportunity to take part. For those who want to support the ACLD mission but are unable to attend, there is an option to participate by registering as a “Virtual Walker.”

The 5K or 1K registration fee is $20 per person, and registration for the 1K Fun Run for children ages 3 to 12 is $10 per child. All participants will receive a T-shirt and refreshments. Free parking will be made available to registered walkers. Media sponsor Cox Media will be on-site providing music.

The event will benefit ACLD, a leading non-profit whose mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. This event is a great way for businesses to give back to the community and is ideal for team building and strengthening camaraderie among friends.

Evidence shows that physical activity and participation in sports support development, reduce stress and help with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. ACLD Foundation’s Journey to an Enviable Life Walk/Run allows community members and individuals with special needs as well developmental disabilities to take part in a fun activity that also promotes wellness. HOPEFitness will be on-site to lead a pre-walk/run stretch and warm-up session for the more than 500 participants expected to attend.

“Last year marked our first journey, and the event was a success, filled with enthusiasm and encouragement,” said ACLD Executive Director Robert C. Goldsmith. “This day is focused on showing what the ACLD mission is all about – the pursuit of enviable lives. Together, with our generous event sponsor Pilot RB and our participants, it is a journey worth taking.”

ACLD will collect used and unwanted clothing during the Walk/Run for donation to RewearABLE, the agency’s green program designed to help the environment while providing sustainable employment for adults with learning and developmental disabilities. RewearABLE accepts clothing and fabrics, linen and bedding of all types and sizes, with all donations tax-deductible. For more information about RewearABLE or to schedule a pick up at your home if you cannot make it to the Walk/Run, please contact (516) 822-2099.

To register for the Journey To An Enviable Life Walk/Run, form a team or for sponsorship opportunities, contact ACLD’s Development Office at (516) 822-0028, extension 178, or visit www.acld.org/walk2017

Founded in 1957, Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2017, the organization continues to provide opportunities for children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,100 people and operates 80 different program sites including group homes and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Service programs include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, respite, family support services, Medicaid service coordination, and medical and behavioral health services. For more information visit www.acld.org

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PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Photo A: Pictured are participants at the starting line at last year’s ACLD’s Journey To An Enviable Life Walk/Run.

Photo B: Pictured is Team Wildwood showing their spirit and support during last year’s ACLD’s Journey To An Enviable Life Walk/Run.