AbilityFirst will hold its annual Stroll & Roll fundraiser presented by Comerica Bank on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
For nearly 40 years, AbilityFirst has held a walk-related, family-friendly community event supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. The funds from this year’s Stroll & Roll will be used to support AbilityFirst programs and services to empower more than 2,000 participants and their families in the greater Los Angeles area.
AbililtyFirst’s person-centered programs are grounded in individual choice, autonomy and community participation. The programs support individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities, to help them discover what is important to them in their lives and to develop the skills for them to achieve those goals.
The Stroll & Roll will feature a welcome program emceed by NBC4 news reporter Mekahlo Medina, along with welcome remarks from the Stroll & Roll steering committee chair Willan Johnson and an inspiring story from an AbilityFirst participant Jesse Lopez.
The Stroll & Roll will take attendees through the Santa Anita Park, ending at the infield with an expo featuring more than 35 exhibitors and activities. Live performances from Straight Up Abilities, Christine Marie with Ice Bear, Crown City Drum Squad and the Pasadena Unified School District cheerleaders will entertain participants, along with festive carnival games, food trucks and a beer garden sponsored by Golden Road Brewing.
Santa Anita Park, gate 6, is located at 285 West Huntington Drive. The infield parking lot will open at 9:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m.
First published in the November 10 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
