West Bloomfield’s Walk4Friendship Set to Return Next Month

Residents of West Bloomfield are excitedly awaiting the return of the beloved Walk4Friendship event next month. This much-anticipated event, now in its 19th year, has become a pillar of summer activities in the local community and is scheduled to take place on September 1.

The Walk4Friendship event is a delightful blend of fun and philanthropy, created and hosted by the Friendship Circle. This nonprofit organization offers valuable services to children and young adults with special needs, along with their families. The event promises plenty of entertainment and activities, all free to participate in.

Historically, the event has witnessed smashing success in terms of participation and fundraising, with estimates of around 2000-3000 people attending last year’s event. The generous community managed to raise over $900,000 last year, setting a record for the most funds raised in one event. This year, they’re aiming even higher with a fundraising goal set at $1 million.

“Brighter Together“, this year’s theme, is an apt representation of the unity and brilliance of the community when working together towards a common cause. Attendees can look forward to an exciting array of activities, including games, a scavenger hunt, face painting, a petting zoo, rides, and live performances. The event even features an American-Israeli hip-hop artist, Nissim Black.

In addition to its fundraising objective, the event serves as an important platform to raise awareness about the significant contributions that individuals with special needs make to society and to create a more inclusive community for them.

Registration for the event begins at 10:30 a.m. on the event day. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., with the walk instantly following at 11:45 a.m.

The event starts from the Friendship Circle’s Farber Center and ends at the Meer Center. A shuttle service will be available for those who wish not to walk. Adequate parking space is provided at Temple Israel, with Drake and Walnut Lake roads closed off from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

To learn more about the event, visit walk4friendship.com. For more information about the friendship circle’s services, visit friendshipcircle.org.