More than 1,500 people of all ages gathered for the seventh annual Walk4Friends on May 3 at the Vonage Corporate Center in Holmdel.
The goal of the walk was to raise funds and awareness for the Friendship Circle, a program that provides friendship for children with special needs, but it accomplished much more than its primary mission, according to a press release from the Friendship Circle.
“So many parents came over to us during the event to thank us for dedicating a special day to their children,” said Chanale Wolosow, director of the Friendship Circle of Central Jersey.
“Imagine over 1,500 people coming to show their support for your child and your family. The parents were beaming with pride and the children with special needs were the spotlight of the event,” Wolosow said.
Scott Tepper, a parent of a Friendship Circle child, said the money raised “pales in comparison to the contributions of the staff and volunteers of the Friendship Circle.”
“Their dedication, compassion, enthusiasm and love for what they do and who they serve is second to none,” he said.
The Walk4Friends kicked off with an opening ceremony and a special presentation by some of the participants, followed by a warm-up by MAXX Fitness. The 1- mile walk around the Vonage campus was led by the Israel family, whose daughter, Eliza, and mom, Carla, cut the ribbon.
After the walk, participants enjoyed food, rides, games and a performance by the Flippenout Productions Trampoline Show. Among the guests at the event were Manalapan Mayor Jack McNaboe, Manalapan Committeewoman Susan Cohen and Holmdel Mayor Patrick Impreveduto, according to the press release.
“I think I speak on behalf of my fellow volunteers when I say that these children have taught us more then we could ever imagine teaching them,” said volunteer Monica Pustylnik, a Marlboro High School student who spoke during the opening ceremony. “Through Friendship Circle, I have learned and continue to learn that we are all truly better together.”
Walk4Friends has raised more than $147,000 toward its goal of $175,000 needed for Friendship Circle programming, according to the press release.
To learn more, visit www.friendsnj.com or call 732-536-2319.