By Chris Gaffney
When the Steady Strides 2021, presented by Supernus race committee met in January of this year to plan for this year’s event, we worried that we would be facing real challenges in trying to hold an in-person race in the second year of a pandemic. We pushed the date of the race back to October once again, in hopes of a safer gathering. As Spring turned to Summer and Summer to Fall, we saw that many race and walk events were either being cancelled again or resulted in around a 50% participation rate.
Steady Strides is the largest fundraising effort we make each year and the proceeds help us to meet the operating costs as we strive to complete the PSW mission. It is so much more than just that. Each year we gather to celebrate the Parkinson’s community and the many people who battle the disease, those who care for them, and those who support them. All the aspects of our big day that distinguishes Steady Strides: the music, the food, raffles and silent auctions, team competitions and a great course contribute to a sense of camaraderie and family. It is not just a fundraiser, it is a spirit-raiser.
Parkinson Support & Wellness wants to thank everyone who helped us to fulfill our goals, both financial and spiritual. We are so grateful to the runners, walkers, donors, and fans, team leaders, volunteers and our many generous sponsors. Despite all the headwinds, you nailed it!
Final numbers are still coming in, but we know that we had more than 500 participants, running and walking. Sponsorships set a new record of more than $25,000 contributed. Our food and beverage providers came through with plenty of our favorites from breakfast to brunch, pizza to ice cream, and provided the calories we needed to replenish after this great race. And we raised more than $90,000. This assures that PSW will be able to carry out its mission of education about Parkinson’s, and how to devise and execute on a strategy to live well with PD. We will be able to fund our grant program, providing funds to independent organizations and companies that provide exercise and therapies to our constituents. And we will continue to provide services to this who facilitate the many support groups in our area.
Please check race results here. Photos of every aspect of the celebration are forthcoming and a list of our generous sponsors is available on the Steady Strides homepage. When you can, please support those sponsors. Thanks to all who contributed baskets and items for the raffle and silent auction. Big thanks to our race committee who worked countless hours to pull off all the hidden tasks and covered all the details that set the stage for success.
Please keep checking back on the Steady Strides page for announcements about Steady Strides 2022. Thanks for your continued support and KEEP MOVING!