People of all ages and abilities will join 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.
Director of communications and events Deborah Rodriguez and Development Officer Marina Carroll both encouraged the community to come out to the event and show support.
“It’s a wonderful community event,” Carroll said. “Even those people who don’t want to run can still show their support by being cheerleaders.”
“It’s going through an amazing area,” Rodriguez added. “Last year the weather was great and it was a beautiful event.”
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.
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.
“There are over 2.4 million people who have a combined visions and hearing loss,” Carroll said.
Rodriguez said more than 300 participated at last year’s event. As of March 28, 140 are registered.
Individuals of all ages and disabilities are welcome to participate. Participants under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Carroll said former deaf-blind student Jon Gabry formed a team and is the highest fundraiser so far.
Participants can support Jon’s team, form their own, or participate as an individual.
The goal is to raise $50,000, which Carroll said they are half way there.
“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.
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.
Those who can’t attend the event in Sands Point, can support Helen’s Run/Walk from anywhere in the country by registering as a ‘Virtual Walker.’ People can also participate by sponsoring a team and/or participant, or becoming a sponsor.
Check in and registration is from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. The official start is at 9:30 a.m.
Registration before April 14 is $25 for adults; $15 for youths age 18 and under. After April 14 and day of event will be $30 for adults and $20 for ages 18 and under.
Registration includes refreshments and a souvenir T-shirt. Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the race.
To register for Helen’s Run/Walk 2016, please visit www.helenkeller.org/hknc.
