‘A Celebration Of Friendship’: Walk4Friends Event To Return In Monmouth County

MARLBORO, NJ — Friendship and unity will be at the forefront of this year’s “Walk4Friends” event in Monmouth County, an annual walk and fundraiser that promotes inclusion for those with special needs while celebrating the power of friendship and community.

Hosted by the Friendship Circle of Central Jersey, this year’s “Walk4Friends” event will take place on May 18 and run from 12-3 p.m. at the Marlboro Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and participate in or support the event, which will raise funds to help sustain Friendship Circle’s programs and ensure that participants continue to thrive in an inclusive environment.

“At Friendship Circle, we believe that every step we take together brings us closer to a world where everyone belongs,” said Muka Pewzner, operations director of Friendship Circle of Central Jersey. “Walk4Friends is not just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of friendship, inclusion, and the power of community.”

Based in Manalapan, Friendship Circle of Central Jersey started in 2001 with the mission to create a better life and future for people of all abilities, according to their website.

Throughout the year, the nonprofit organization hosts various programs and events to support that mission, such as their Sunday Programs, which pair local teen volunteers with those with special needs in hopes of fostering meaningful connections and friendships.

Through different activities (such as yoga, cooking, crafts, etc.), the programs aim to create a supportive environment where participants feel valued, cared for and can build genuine friendships while having fun in a social setting.

“What’s so unique about our program is that each buddy is paired with the same person, the same volunteer, each week, which really transcends their relationship,” Volunteer Coordinator Mikayla Schultz told Patch.

“Our whole meaning behind Friendship Circle is inclusivity and friendship,” Schultz continued. “So having them paired with the same buddy each week really emphasizes that friendship piece.”

Though Friendship Circle is based in Manalapan, they have clubs and volunteers throughout Monmouth County, and will host their “Walk4Friends” event in Marlboro for 2025.

In 2024, over 1,000 people were drawn to the “Walk4Friends” event, and $225,000 was raised to fuel Friendship Circle’s growth, according to Friendship Circle officials.

This year, the event is projected to draw 1,400 attendees and will focus on the theme “Dear Friend Behind Me, You Are Enough,” which serves as a reminder that every person, regardless of ability, deserves to be valued and celebrated.

“This year our main goal is really to get the community out there,” Schultz said. “Not only just to know about Friendship Circle and understand what’s going on in their community, but to really create this space that’s based in inclusion and friendship.”

“The biggest message that we’re really trying to get out to the community here is that friendship is a necessity,” Schultz continued.

Alongside the main event of “Walk4Friends,” attendees will also be able to enjoy face painting, cotton candy and snacks, balloon twisting, inflatables and more.

At 12 p.m., the walk will kick off with registration opening and light entertainment, before the Opening Ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. The walk will start at 1 p.m., and attendees will be able to enjoy lunch and family fun from 2-3 p.m.

Online pre-registration for “Walk4Friends” is free and will close on the evening of Thursday, May 15. For those who do not pre-register, you can use walk-up registration at the event, though there will be a walk-up fee of $10 per person.

To learn more, register, or donate, you can visit the 2025 Walk4Friends website or the Friendship Circle of Central Jersey website.

The Marlboro Recreation Center is located at 1996 Recreation Way, Marlboro.