ARI of Connecticut Inc. in Stamford held its 20th Annual Walk for Independence on Sunday, April 26, at Cove Island Park. More than 300 attendees raised over $54,000. Proceeds from the event will support programs at ARI of Connecticut, an organization providing services for nearly 100 individuals with developmental disabilities in Stamford.
This year ARI honored Liz Sue Bagel for its 20-year commitment to the walk by providing bagels for every attendee. Tony Telesco, owner of Liz Sue and his wife, Teresa, were on hand to accept the award. Senator Richard Blumenthal, ARI Board Vice Chair Denise Doria, ARI President and CEO Susanne Kuligowski, and ARI individual Latoya Hunter joined in the presentation.
Susanne Kuligowski, ARI president and CEO along with Doria led the opening ceremonies, thanking the many sponsors and groups for their assistance with the event. Blumenthal addressed the crowd praising ARI for all they do in the community. Eleanor Casale and her Dance with El team led walkers in a warm-up before the Stamford Police led the over-300 walkers off on a one-mile walk around Cove Island Park. The HAHAs from Stamford Hospital and mascots from Hi-4! Entertainment were on hand entertaining all. The Stamford Police also had their K9 and Bomb Squad Units and the Stamford Fire Department brought a Touch a Truck for all to enjoy. Refreshments for the event were provided by Liz Sue Bagels, Subway West Main Street, Trader Joe’s, Stew Leonard’s, Acme, Wegman’s and Pepsi.
Corporate Sponsors for this event include Race Sponsor: Friends of ARI & The Umbrella Club; Partner Sponsor: Northeast Generator; Distance Sponsors: F.D. Rich, Kiwanis Club of Stamford, Paycom, Eversource and Synchrony; Pace Setter Sponsors First County Bank, The Community Thrift Shop, Sound Engineering Associates, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Walter J. McKeever Company LLC, Aquarion Water Company, Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy, and Ring’s End. Print Sponsor: MBA Graphics. Warm-Up Sponsor: Dance With El. Food Sponsors: Pepsi, Subway, Trader Joe’s, Liz Sue Bagel, Wegman’s, Stew Leonard’s and Acme.
ARI of Connecticut aims to enrich the lives of people with disabilities and their families by enabling them to achieve their fullest potential at home, at work and in the community.
