15th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run/2-Mile Walk Set for April 20

The Arc of Essex County is asking residents to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by joining in in the 15th Annual Building Tomorrows run.

“We invite the entire community to join us on what hopefully will be a beautiful spring morning to take a nice walk or a quick run to support the over 1,300 people who benefit from The Arc of Essex County’s programs every day,” said Chief Development Officer Cynthia Villarosa.

The 5K Run/2-Mile Walk April 20 at starts at 10 a.m. in Brookdale Park. Visit www.arcessex.org/run for more information or to register online. Registration is $20 for USATF members and $23 for nonmembers, before April 15 and $25 after and on race day. All pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative moisture-wicking tech T-shirt. The race is a USATF certified event.

Participants are also encouraged to create their own online sponsorship page at  www.firstgiving.com/arc-essex/2013runwalk. Anyone who raises at least $50 by race day will have their registration fee refunded. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraiser and to the first, seconnd and third place finishers overall and to winners in each age bracket.

The event is part of the statewide Stand Up for The Arc walkathon initiative that raises public awareness of The Arc’s mission and raises funds for programs that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The Arc of Essex County is the area’s largest provider of services and supports to the I/DD community with 44 unique programs that serve individuals from birth through their senior years. 

The Arc runs early intervention programs for newborns and infants and the Stepping Stones School in Roseland for children age three to nine. Families with school-aged children receive support through its programs that provide respite relief to families and caregivers, social and community inclusion events and Camp Hope, its summer day camp program. Adult Services include, residential programs that allow individuals to live in integrated community settings with the appropriate supports so they may enjoy the most independence possible, and day programs that help individuals develop and reinforce social, vocational, or life skills.