[ccfic caption-text format="plaintext"]
By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The people of Needham have always dedicated themselves to service. Their hard work and passion for this was deeply felt on a misty, cold Sunday morning as dozens of community members huddled under the bits of cover they had at DeFazio Field while registering to run or walk for the Walker School.
The Walker School, located in Needham, is a private special education program comprising a co-educational K-through-8 academic program for children ages five through 13 with complex presentations that are often manifested by behavioral, social, and emotional challenges.
“This is our seventh year. It’s been such a wonderful family experience for Walker. The idea was to have an event in Needham to raise awareness for people in the town,” said Carolyn Wood, Walker’s Vice President of Advancement.
There is a running and walking portion to the event, and before Sunday hundreds had expressed interest. The weather, however, did prove a bit of a concern. “We’ll see how many actually show up. We feel like we’ll have a bit fewer walkers just because the people who walk usually bring little kids and if it’s raining. But we have a wonderful carnival for afterwards for kids, so hopefully the weather will improve a little bit,” said Wood.
As the participants tramped through the gravelly parking lot of DeFazio, it became apparent how diverse the group was, and how few the weather had deterred. Mothers and fathers prepared to run with their kids cheering them on, and a few families even brought their dogs, decked out in orange runner’s t-shirts.
Wood added, “It’s a volunteer and staff based event. We have a lot of support from various groups in the town and that’s really encouraging, because Walker’s a special place and everybody pretty much knows somebody who has an issue around behavioral health or mental health. A lot of people relate to our mission.”
Walker’s other fundraising events include an annual golf tournament, which took place last Monday, and a gala auction in May.
