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2nd Annual Walk'nRoll-a-thon is Fun for All!
Saint Michael’s College was alive with music, families, students and balloons on March 29th as the Ross Sports Center was host to the second annual Walk’nRoll-a-Thon to benefit Parent to Parent of Vermont.
Planning for this event began during last year’s event as student organizers and Parent to Parent worked well and what needed tweaking. One of the first changes was the duration of the event. Begun as an overnight walk, the student organizers wisely chose to limit the day to six hours on a Saturday afternoon. The family activities took greater priority and fabulous music was scheduled throughout the day.
This year, walking teams came from colleges from around the state including Saint Michael’s, the University of Vermont, Johnson State College and a satellite event was held at Green Mountain College. The connection between college and community is what makes this event so much fun and unique.
One of the event coordinators, Michael Stefanowicz, summed up the energy of the day: “The best part is seeing college students interacting with the families. It’s a really fun, energetic atmosphere.”
The event was first conceived of by Professor Mary Beth Doyle of Saint Michael’s and Board Member of Parent to Parent of Vermont. Students quickly embraced the idea and learned about Parent to Parent, our services, our
families and managed the event entirely by themselves.
We wish to thank all of the students and volunteers involved. The Saint Michael’s MOVE office has rallied for this event two years in a row. Additionally, nursing students from the University of Vermont participated through a teddy bear health clinic. Jen Clementi from Green Mountain College organized a satellite event in less than a month that brought teams together in southern Vermont. Johnson State College sent a team for the day.
The families that attended enjoyed the music of Gigi and Joni, the Essex Children’s Choir, and the antics of the Kids on the Block puppets. Arts and crafts stations for kids, face painting, bean bag toss games, prizes and balloons were available to entertain the children.
In total, over 200 families, students and volunteers attended and we raised almost $10,000. We hope to see you all at the third annual Walk’nRoll-a-Thon in 2009. ©
