More than 600 people of all ages and abilities joined together at the Sands Point Preserve for Helen’s Run/Walk 2016 on April 17 hosted by the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults.
“I’m amazed at how many wonderful individuals turned out not just to celebrate a beautiful spring day but also support the work HKNC does for deaf-blind individuals,” Development Officer Marina Carroll said.
The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults is a national organization based in Sands Point that enables individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind or have combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in the communities of their choice, according to the Hellen Keller National Center website.
“HKNC students come from all across the country and we strive to offer them a healthy lifestyle while they are attending our independent living and vocational training program,” Carroll said.
The annual 5K/3.1 mile event benefits Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults in Sands Point, which is located at 141 Middle Neck Road.
The course offered participants panoramic views of Sands Point as they ran or walked to support people who live with a combined vision and hearing loss.
“There are over 2.4 million people who have a combined visions and hearing loss,” Carroll said.
Participants had the option of forming their own team or participating as an individual.
Development Associate for HKNC Lori Bookstaver formed the team Miles for Megan to honor the memory of her daughter Megan Bookstaver, who passed away at 23.
“It’s great to be out with so many people for a good cause and to be with family and friends, celebrating my daughter’s life,” Bookstaver said. “Megan you’re always in our hearts. We all love you and miss you. Love you to the moon and back.”
This is Miles for Megans second year participating in the Helen Keller walk/run and Bookstaver said they’ve raised close to $4,000.
Other top teams included Holly’s Homies and Jon Gabry, which both raised more than $2,000.
Director of communications and events Deborah Rodriguez said the event raised more than $50,000, which was this year’s goal.
All proceeds from Helen’s Run/Walk 2016 will go directly to HKNC’s recreation project that includes renovating and upgrading the gymnasium on HKNC’s campus in Sands Point.
