‘Walk and Roll for Disabilities’ scheduled for Feb. 17

From left: Former Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch poses with Casey Putnam, middle, and mom, Vicki Rinne, during last year’s Walk and Roll for Disabilities. Crouch, KETV Channel 7 reporter Mike’l Severe and Justin Essi, a program participant at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute, will serve as captains for this year’s walk on Feb. 17.

From left: Dear Heart the clown (Judy Quest), paints the face of Kate Klemmensen, daughter of Julie and Mark Klemmensen, during last year’s walk.

Boots are made for walkin’ and wheels are made for rollin’ at the fourth annual Walk and Roll for Disabilities, which will be held at the Westroads Mall in Omaha on Feb. 17.

Beginning at noon on the second level of the mall next to Dick’s Sporting Goods, the event is designed to raise money for the Adult Recreation Therapy program at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.

Through the MMI Recreational Therapy Department, adults with disabilities have opportunities for both community and center-based recreation in a safe, supervised setting. In addition, the programs also allow for much-needed respite for families and caregivers of those with developmental disabilities.

The goal of the Walk and Roll, sponsored by The C. Louis Meyer Foundation, No Frills Supermarkets, KGOR and Crouch Recreational Design, is not only to raise funds to continue these activities, but also to create community awareness and understanding about adults with developmental disabilities.

“Part of what the Walk and Roll hopes to do is remind people that there are adults with long-term disabilities and those adults still need assistance and help, as well as quality recreation opportunities as they get older,” said Michael Crawford, Re.D., director of recreation therapy at MMI.

While recreational therapy funding for children with developmental disabilities is adequate, such isn’t the case for adults with chronic conditions due to mental and/or physical impairments. The C. Louis Meyer Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, is currently a major supporter and source of funds for adult recreational therapy, adult respite care and rehabilitation programs at MMI.

“All of the programs that we run here at MMI recreation therapy are privately funded,” Dr. Crawford said. “We receive no state or federal money. “The purpose of the walk is to give families and participants a chance to help themselves.”

Honorary team captains for this year’s event include former Nebraska football great and 2001 Heisman Trophy winner, Eric Crouch, KETV Channel 7’s Mike’l Severe and Justin Essi, one of program participants at MMI.

“Round It Up” again No Frills Supermarkets are once again conducting the “Round It Up” campaign. From Jan. 23 through Feb. 13, No Frills customers can choose to round up their bill to the next dollar and the spare change will go to benefit recreational and respite services for adults with developmental disabilities.

A big Husker fan, Justin is very excited and honored to be selected as an honorary captain, said his mother, Barb.

Justin, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has been attending camps at MMI for the past 12 years and is currently involved in the bike club and teen night at MMI. Now that he has turned 18, he will be eligible to participate in the dining club, community outings and other activities geared toward adults with disabilities.

Barb, who is also a member of the parent advisory committee, described the adult programs as “heaven sent.”

“After (children with disabilities) turn 19, there is nothing available to them when it comes to social environment,” she said. “The adult recreation therapy program is so needed. It gives disabled adults the opportunities to experience the same types of activities that normal adults of their age would experience. I can’t imagine not having a place like this for my child.”

Staff of MMI, programs participants, parents and members of the general public are encouraged to collect pledges and participate in the Walk and Roll in support of the recreational therapy program. The registration fee is $15 per person and includes a T-shirt. Staff attendants are not required to pay a registration fee, unless purchasing a t-shirt. Check-in and late registration begin at 11 a.m.

Refreshments will be served after the walk and door prizes will be awarded at the event to all attendees. Participants can earn extra door prize entries by collecting pledges. Special prizes will be given to the top individual and team pledge earners.

Last year’s event garnered approximately $30,000, with around 450 people participating.

“Every year the event has grown,” Dr. Crawford said. “We hope to beat both of those marks this year.”

The ultimate objective is to raise a $1 million sustaining endowment for chaperoned vacation services, social dining, community activities and sports clubs, Dr. Crawford said, with the hope of sponsoring new programs in the future.

“We’re not making this money and spending it, we’re making this money and banking it,” he said. “So far, we’ve raised $80,000. We know it will take a long time to get to $1 million, but we’re determined that one day we will.”

The Walk and Roll event is a partnership between members of the C. Louis Meyer Foundation Board, members of the Parent Advisory Board for MMI recreation and full and part-time staff members of the MMI Recreation Therapy Department.

To sign up for the event online, visit www.unmc.edu/mmi and click on the registration link.