The 11th Annual STAR Walk, 5K Run & Roll will be held at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT on Sunday morning, May 1, 2016.

The Walk, Run & Roll is a Family Fun Day that celebrates all abilities and is a major annual fundraiser to benefit programs for STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way that benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).   Registration begins at 9:00  a.m. and the Walk, which includes a 5K Run option this year, will kick off at 10:00 a.m. with a 5K run and 1K  routes suitable for any ability (walkers, strollers, wheelchairs and baby joggers are welcome).  Attendees can enjoy the demonstrations, cultural and community activities, continental breakfast and lunch as well as the walk itself—all to benefit STAR, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, has been based out of Norwalk since 1952.   Approximately 800 participants and volunteers are expected to attend. The event raises funds for programs serving infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, New Canaan and Darien.

Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director of STAR said, “This is our eleventh year of the STAR Walk, Run and Roll and we are so grateful for the growing number of families, sponsors and supporters that keep building upon its success.   This event has grown to become one of the yearly favorites for our clients and their families and friends while raising critical funds to sustain our programs that face economic challenges and state budget cuts. We are excited to add the 5K Run to the day that should introduce STAR to even more friends in the community.”

The registration fee for walkers and runners is $25. Children/students under 18 are $15 and those under age 5 are free. A family of runners and walkers can register for $65. To obtain additional information   please visit the STAR web site at www.STARct.org or call Megan Johnson at STAR at 203-846-9581 ext 339. Participants are encouraged to set up their own fundraising team for the walk by registering athttps://www.firstgiving.com/STARInc/2016StarWalk5KRun.

The Walk will include appearances by Amy Dixon, paratriathlete elite athlete, writer and motivational speaker; Chaz Davis, paralympic athlete and graduate of University of Hartford; Miss Connecticut USA Tiffany Teixeira; Miss Teen Connecticut USA Katy Brown; the Marvin Dancers; STORM of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Hockey Team; Steve Avitabile Musician; children’s activities and demonstrations by Earthplace of Westport FUNBUS, and Painted You (face painting and air brush tattooes). James Randon, award-winning runner of the four minute mile has also been invited to attend.

Early sponsors for the event include the Bosworth Family, Callari Auto Group, Garavel, Gen Re, Honda of Westport, MBI, Inc., KBI-A division of People’s United Insurance, and the Levy Family. In-kind sponsors include Stop & Shop, PEPSI, Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market and New York Bakery.

The event would not take place without the help of hundreds of volunteers from Norwalk Community College, Norwalk High School, Weston High School and People’s United Bank, as well as numerous other individuals.

STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization serving individuals of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as providing support services to their families.  STAR creates opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy while  informing and encouraging the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals.

For more information about STAR or to learn more about individual and corporate volunteer opportunities, visit www.STARct.org or contact Megan Johnson at 203-846-9581 x339.