A Great Day to Walk
Citizens Options Unlimited community supports the AHRC Foundation Walk
The Citizens Options Unlimited community showed up in full force for the AHRC Foundation Walk at Eisenhower Park on Sunday, Oct. 27, ready to walk.
People from across the agency, including people supported by Residential Services, Camp Loyaltown campers, families and staff, showed up to support services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Before the walk commenced, everyone enjoyed exploring activities in Field 6A, including crafts, a photo booth, and a pumpkin patch. Part of the fun of this annual walk is the opportunity to reunite with friends, family and colleagues while meeting new people.
After greeting one another and exploring all the activities offered, everyone gathered before the stage to celebrate top fundraisers who helped the AHRC Foundation surpass its fundraising goal of $100,000. Among the fundraisers celebrated was Director of Residential Services Jerry Powers of the Powers’ Walkers team. Jerry raised $4,360, and the Powers’ Walkers team raised another $4,240, bringing the team to $8,600 raised.
With his retirement approaching, this year’s walk will be Jerry’s last as an employee.
“I was on a mission to be the top fundraiser, and I did meet that goal,” Jerry said. “I was happy about that. I wanted to go out making a mark. That meant a lot to me to be able to do that.”
Also contributing to the over $107,000 raised were Team Amanda 2024, Team Rugby and Michelle Rudoff of the Plainview Powerhouse, among many other fundraisers.
Led by Karen Broderick Anci, Team Amanda 2024 proudly raised $18,874 in support of Camp Loyaltown camper Amanda Broderick. This year’s efforts were dedicated to the memory of Amanda and Karen’s father, Patrick Broderick, a devoted supporter of AHRC Nassau, longtime Citizens Board member, and advocate for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Team Rugby, chaired by Michael, Beth and Sydney Ross, raised an impressive $5,755. The Ross family are longtime, active supporters of the AHRC Foundation Walk and participate each year in honor of their daughter and the dedicated staff members who support her and others..
Michelle Rudoff, a Camp Loyaltown camper and Quality Assurance Trainer, raised $2,222 for the Plainview Powerhouse team. Michelle’s dedication to the AHRC Foundation Walk, as well as other self-advocacy initiatives, earned her the title of Grand Marshal for this year’s event.
“I set a goal of raising $2,000,” said Michelle. “I worked toward it and I made it! I think $2,222 is pretty cool!”
Warm-up exercises right before the walk time provided an energy boost before Michelle alongside other top fundraisers cut the ribbon at the starting line, signaling the beginning of the walk