The campus of Easterseals Arkansas is a warm, friendly place that on most days buzzes with activity: therapy sessions, art projects, classes and socializing.
But this Saturday morning, it will be particularly lively as people of all ages gather for the annual Walk With Me event.
Easterseals Walk With Me
7 a.m. Saturday, Easterseals, 3920 Woodland Heights Road, Little Rock
Registration: advance $25, children 12 and under $10; event day $30 and $12
(501) 227-3706
This is actually the 22nd year for the event, but until recently, it was called Rollin' on the River and it took place downtown.
"A couple of years ago, we decided to bring it to our campus," says Jillian Jacuzzi, Easterseals Arkansas' marketing and public relations coordinator. "It cut down on costs. Also, it brings people to our campus, so it's more personable."
Now most of the event takes place at the west Little Rock center.
Beginning at 7 a.m., there are bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, food trucks and snacks. Then, over at the nearby Pleasant Ridge Town Center, there's a family fun walk starting at 8:30.
For the more serious runners — also at 7 a.m. — there's a USA Track & Field-certified 5K race that has quite a start and finish.
Last year's participants, the Baptist Preparatory School band, will return this year to "get the pace going" with help from the Little Rock Christian Academy cheerleaders.
"That makes it really lively and fun," Jacuzzi says. "The clients felt especially celebrated."
To make sure no one forgets what the day is about, Easterseals adult and child clients will be on hand. Some of them have entire teams running or walking in their honor.
"It's a good way to showcase what we do here. If you're just a runner and you don't know much about Easterseals, then you see the clients and get to interact if you'd like to and learn more about what we do and the people we serve."
Easterseals Arkansas offers a whole host of programs to help people with disabilities, from infants to adults. There are schools, therapy programs, job training and placement, and inpatient services.
Money raised goes to the general fund, which is used to supplement funding the organization gets from Medicaid.
"The funds we raise help pick up those costs that otherwise we'd have trouble funding," Jacuzzi says.
Often, that's special equipment required for therapy.
Whether people are looking for a good, competitive run or just a Saturday morning outing for the whole family, Jacuzzi believes Walk With Me should draw a crowd.
"It's a fun event. It's not just a 5K where you go and run. You get to do some other things and know that what you're doing is really helping adults and children with disabilities."
Weekend on 08/15/2019