Wheel-A-Thon rolls out awareness, raises funds

To benefit advocacy organization in West Haven

It was a beautiful morning for the Center for Disability Rights' 8th annual Wheel-A-Thon Sunday at Savin Rock in West Haven.

Wheelchairs wait for riders.

West Haven Mayor John Picard, right, addresses the group prior to the start of the event.

Participants listen to remarks before getting ready to roll.

And they're off ...

Able-bodied volunteers try manual wheelchair ambulation. 

Message on sign along route: "Did you know only 10 percent of young adults with learning disabilities make it past the second year in college? Your donations help CDR to help students succeed in college."

Nothing stopped this flower ...  it reminded me of the members and staff at CDR.

I don't know how much was raised to benefit programs for youths with disabilities. CDR executive director Marc Anthony Gallucci said the goal was $20,000; about $16,000 was raised last year.

But just as important as the funds raised by the event is the awareness raised of the challenges faced by those who live with a disability.