Event Date: April 25, 2024
Location: Houston Zoo
Event: Sporting Walk/Run/Stroll
Beneficiary: Easter Seals Greater Houston
No. in attendance: 3,500
Money raised: $700,000
Photography: Jenny Antill
“Walk With Me” Brings Easter Seals Greater Houston Closer to Their Million Dollar Goal
The 13th Annual “Walk With Me” family-friendly “walk-roll-stroll” event brought 3,500 happy people together to raise money for Easter Seals Greater Houston. A fundraising goal of $1 million was brought closer to fruition thanks to the community support, event sponsor Prosperity Bank, who, in the past decade, has raised over $1 million through donations from their branches, key sponsors Texas Children’s Hospital, Quanta Services, Team Industrial Services and Alvarez & Marsal. The Youth Council, a group of high-school students, raised over $20,000, which was added to the organization’s total raised.
Chairpersons and Easter Seals Greater Houston Board President Elizabeth and Anthony DeLuca, Prosperity Bank Assistant V.P. Katie Dowdell and Quanta Services V.P. Jim Stinson, welcomed guests and spoke passionately about the organization’s programs. These programs, made possible by the funds raised, have a profound impact on the lives of many, both locally and nationwide. Their heartfelt words served as a reminder of the importance of their collective efforts.
Each year, the charity has the honor of selecting Ambassadors to represent the agency’s high-quality, low—or no-cost programs. This year, they were proud to introduce their ambassadors: Colton, a toddler with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome; twin teenagers Israel and Emmanuel, who both have IDD and autism; and Will, a U.S. Navy veteran, and his loyal service dog, Scooter. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit and inspire the continuation of their mission.
Will and his dog Scooter cut the ceremonial ribbon at the starting line, and the family walk and festivities were underway. Thousands walked, rolled, and strolled through Houston Zoo and ended up at Masihara Pavilion, where the after-party began. Breakfast tacos, DJ entertainment, yard games, face painting, and crafts, courtesy of The Kinkaid School volunteers, gave the guests a proud day of fun and an even prouder day for Easter Seals Greater Houston!
