Hundreds of Long Islanders are expected to join the fight against autism and other developmental disabilities with three different events packed into one fun-filled day to benefit Long Island’s largest autism provider.
The Developmental Disabilities Institute welcomes children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to the DDI Walk, Run and Ride for Autism, on Sunday, Oct. 12 at the Holtsville Ecology Center. The walk, run and motorcycle/classic car rally will help to promote community support for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
“This event is all about coming together as a community and helping those who cannot help themselves,” said co-chair of the event Charley Hudson. “It is heartwarming to have talented individuals enthusiastically lend themselves to help benefit thousand of fellow Long Islanders.”
This year’s event Grand Marshals are seven extraordinary people who for the second year in a row, spent one week walking 128-miles from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Montauk Lighthouse in order to benefit DDI. Raising over $40,000 from both walks, Nathan Holmes, John Kenny, Morgan Zajkowski, Ellen McBurney, Peter Barker, Marita Rausch and Liam Kenny have proved to be worthy honorees.
Registration for the 5K Fun Run will begin at 8 a.m. with the run to commence at 9 a.m. The scenic 5K Walk through Suffolk County’s Holtsville Ecology Park will feature activities for the entire family along the way, followed by a festival in the park complete with picnic lunch, music, games, a petting zoo and more. Registration for the walk begins at 9 a.m. and with the walk beginning at 11 a.m. The family activities will continue throughout the day until 2:30 p.m. This year the event will not only feature a Motorcycle ride, but also include classic and show cars, sponsored by Hansen Home Designs. Motorcycle and car registration begins at 9AM at Hansen Home Designs located at 1541 Smithtown Avenue in Bohemia. Kickstands are set to be up by 10 a.m. A rain date has been set for Sunday, Oct. 19.
“All proceeds will help to benefit the more than 1,500 children and adults that DDI serves across Long Island with autism and other developmental disabilities,” commented co-chair of the event Brian Brunjes. I encourage everyone to come out and take part in this worthwhile cause.”
For more information and to register call 631-366-2914 or visit walk.ddiny.org.