On Saturday, June 10th, nearly 300 people gathered at Heckscher State Park for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) Walk for Kids’ Sake 5K, Little Fun Run and Annual Family Picnic. This year’s event co-sponsored by GEICO and Nature’s Bounty, brought together Bigs, Littles, families, children waiting to be matched, board members, supporters and the community for a fun-filled day while also raising funds to help BBBSLI grow the number of children served through their mentoring programs.
“This year we combined our Walk for Kids Sake with our Annual Picnic and added a Little Fun Run. The weather was beautiful and to have our matches walk alongside our supporters, children waiting to be matched and the families of the children in our programs was really special,” said Nancy Travers, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Director of Services. She added, “the agency needs over 400 Big Brothers and the Walk for Kids’ Sake 5K helps us raise the funds needed to recruit more male volunteers”.
The day began with the newly added Little Fun Run. Children participating in the run were filled with excitement as the crowd cheered them on with encouragement. Runners and walkers then participated in a 5K which included scenic views of the park’s fields, beaches and woodlands.
A picnic lunch awaited guests and included games and dances lead by DJ Joe, inflatables, and painting individual canvases that will go on display in the BBBSLI offices. Littles and their family members were treated to several giveaways including new books from the book fair table and a variety of gently used sporting equipment provided by Play It Forward. Thanks to a donation from BCNY/Synclaire Brands, Littles and their siblings were also invited to choose from a large selection of brand new designer shoes. More importantly, attendees left the event with smiles and fond memories from a fun-filled day of excitement.
In addition to thanking Presenting Sponsors GEICO and Nature’s Bounty and Gold Sponsors ADP and Sanders Sanders Block Woycik Viener & Grossman PC, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island would like to express appreciation to the event’s Silver Sponsors including: CHIPS Technology Group, @Cohen, Hoenigmann & Badolato, CPAs PC, Dycon Enterprises, GNP Branded Gear, Glass & Dooley CPA, Jim’s Deli, Stop & Shop of Levittown and Utz Snacks. Thanks also goes to the volunteers who assisted during the event from the National Charity League, Kohl’s, GEICO, Nature’s Bounty, and Sanders Sanders Block Woycik Viener & Grossman, PC.