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.

Kennedy supports West Haven nonprofit

Branford resident Ted Kennedy Jr., center, son of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, speaks Sunday at the eighth annual Wheel-A-Thon sponsored by the Center for Disability Rights at the Savin Rock Conference Center in West Haven. 
Kennedy lost his right leg to bone cancer when he was 12 and is an advocate for the disabled. 

Pictured at left is Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights. Charles Smyth, president, CDR membership committee, is on the right.





Stay tuned for more photos from the event.

West Haven Wheel-A-Thon raises $16G to aid disabled youth

Music, fun, sun accompany 7th annual event 

Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights, leads the way Sunday at Savin Rock. 

My daughter and I were two of the able-bodied people who took part in the 1.5-mile walk/roll event Sunday morning along the West Haven shoreline.
My husband Ralph, who uses a wheelchair, has been involved with the nonprofit Center for Disability Rights for many years and I can attest to the fact it's a great organization.

Sunday was a picture-perfect weather day, which added to the festive, upbeat atmosphere. After a complimentary breakfast walkers and rollers started down the sidewalk along the beach, then through the parking lot and out to the sidewalk along Capt. Thomas Boulevard.
Some who don't need wheelchairs tried them out to learn firsthand about the daily difficulties faced by the disabled.

Entertainment throughout the morning was provided by five talented teens in a rock band called "Up in Arms."

Members include: Joe Famiglietti of East Haven, lead guitarist; Joe Caruso of East Haven, singer and keyboardist; Kyle Cifarelli of East Haven, bass guitarist; Dan Durazzo of East Haven, drummer; and Matt Zingarello of Guilford, rhythm guitarist.

Executive Director Marc Anthony Gallucci said at least $16,000 had been raised, with more funds pledged. He said more than 90 percent of the money raised goes to scholarships for disabled young people who are headed to college or technical school. "You can feel good about that," Gallucci said.

I do feel good about being a part of this great event. And judging by the many smiling faces that were there I know I'm not alone.