ECLC of New Jersey’s first walkathon cruised past all expectations! The event drew 526 walkers, who together raised more than $32,000 for ECLC of New Jersey’s schools and adult services.
On Oct. 23, Brookdale Park in Bloomfield was packed with students, adult clients, families, staff members and other friends of ECLC to make a difference in the lives of people with special needs, including autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
Proceeds from the walkathon will directly benefit nearly 800 students and adult clients served by ECLC. “We are overwhelmed by the support of the ECLC family and community members who came out for the walk,” said ECLC Foundation Director Heather Alonge. “Our first ECLC walkathon grew beyond what we imagined. We are so grateful!”
The walk will allow ECLC to offer many extra activities at its special-needs schools in Chatham and Ho-Ho-Kus, including weekend sleepovers, after-school trips, evening basketball clinics, scholarships to graduating students and much more.
The walkathon also sustains adult services. ECLC’s affiliate Community Personnel Services (CPS) helps students transition into the adult world and find jobs in their home communities. The ECLC PRIDE Day Program offers students who are not ready for work, a place to continue thriving.
ECLC is excited to recognize the sponsors who supported the event. E&Y signed up as a Gold Starter Sponsor. TD Bank was a Silver Sponsor and J&S AutoHaus Group and the Litinger Family of Short Hills were Bronze level sponsors.