FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2024

    

Silver Spring, MD — Easterseals DC MD VA hosted its third annual Walk With Me, a community walkathon at the National Harbor Waterfront Plaza on September 21. The family-friendly event drew a 40% bigger crowd and raised more funds than in 2023, attesting to the growth in support for the organization.

Easterseals welcomed more than 450 participants of all abilities, including those with wheelchairs. The morning was filled with activities, featuring a health fair with wellness screenings, vaccinations, and nutritious snacks provided by Easterseals community partners. Attendees also enjoyed warm-up exercises, a live DJ, wellness items, and prizes for top fundraisers. Adding to the excitement, National Harbor businesses offered exclusive discounts to anyone wearing a Walk With Me t-shirt, making it a full day of family fun.

This year, Easterseals paid special tribute to veterans and military families, focusing on their mental and physical health. Before cutting the starting line ribbon, former NBC4 reporter and master of ceremonies Chris Gordon remarked, "All of us know that we owe a great deal to the service of our military community. The very least that we can do is support them when they return to civilian life, and Easterseals is doing just that with programs for behavioral health, employment, and respite services."

The event raised over $70,000, a 20% increase over last year’s total, with proceeds supporting Easterseals’ community-based services for people in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

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Easterseals DC MD VA – Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment. And we won’t rest until each one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Join us: www.eseal.org. Including Individuals. Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities.℠

Contact: Paula Moore, Vice President of Communications & Marketing, pmoore@eseal.org