Step Up! The Arc of Union County Raises Almost $10,000 for People with I/DD

SPRINGFIELD, N.J. - May 18, 2018 - PRLog -- RUN.WALK.SKIP.ROLL.STROLL.DANCE.On Saturday, more than 250 runners, walkers and volunteers came together to support Step Up for The Arc of Union County at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Step Up raised almost $10,000 for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

This annual 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk can't be stopped by the weather, and the teams of runners and walkers made it through with a word of encouragement from motivational speaker Fox Beyer. Beyer got the crowd engaged with an interactive verse of spoken word, as the group chanted "step" in harmony. "Step…in mind and body, a winning tranquility…Step…without movement, there is no possibility…Step…each pace, equals a seed…Step…"

Executive Director, Frank X. Caragher, just about finished the awards when the skies let out. But we don't want to miss out on congratulating the men and women who finished this race with some record personal bests.

5K TOP RUNNER TIMES

MEN:

Richard Luettchau—17:00

Sean Gavor—19:42

Adam Heaslip—20:42

WOMEN:

Kathy Rocker—22:30

Marcia Hodulik—23:52

Gina Dimarsico—24:02

Live music was provided by Lenox Underground, and Dollr Hollr was next up on stage before the storm rolled in. We can't wait to have Dollr Hollr shake up the dancing at our next event. A special appearance from Sparkee, mascot of the Somerset Patriots, had the kids and families smiling all morning. The Arc of Union County's Music Therapist Erin Heaslip led The Arc Chorus in the National Anthem and Art Therapist, Gabby D'Amato and her volunteer troupe brightened faces with face paint, art and games.

Thanks also go out to the Resource Development Committee and the 43 volunteers who made this event possible. Students from the Kean University Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity at William Paterson kept the event running smoothly. Volunteer Daiquiri Hetem shared with a smile after a busy morning, "This is just how I give back!"

The Arc of Union County extends thanks to our many sponsors, supporters and those who donated to the event and encouraged friends, family, and colleagues to join in. Sponsoring the event was Meeker Sharkey & Hurley (Insurance & Employee Benefits), with donations and support from Wakefern Food Corporation, the NJ Masons, Starbucks of North Brunswick, and Applebees of Clark, 24 Hour Fitness, Family Chiropractic of Clark, NJ Kids, CKO Kickboxing, LA Fitness, and families of The Arc of Union County.

About The Arc of Union County

With more than six decades of service, The Arc has grown into Union County, New Jersey's, largest provider of on- and off-site educational, recreational and support services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. A registered 501(c)3 non-profit, the organization serves more than 1,000 families annually through a continuum of comprehensive programs geared to assist clients and their families throughout all stages of life. For more information, visit www.arcunion.org, or call 973-315-0000.

For more information about Step Up For The Arc, please contact Ellen de Havilland, Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Communications, at 973-315-0055, or edehavilland@arcunion.org.