Hundreds Run in O’Neill’s Annual 5k to Raise $50k for Ability Beyond

An enthusiastic team of more than 40 Ability Beyond staff members, clients and families joined 700+ runners for the 7th Annual O’Neill’s 5K Run in Memory of Annie Curtin on May 19 in Norwalk. The charity event was established by Annie’s parents and O'Neill's Irish Pub and Restaurant to celebrate Annie, who passed away almost nine years ago when she was 6 ½, by helping people in the community. Ability Beyond was selected as this year’s designated beneficiary. The race raised $50,000 that will be used by the nonprofit organization to provide critical programs and support for people with disabilities in Connecticut and New York.
 
“Ability Beyond has had a strong presence in Norwalk for the past 16 years, providing job training and placement, supported living, and recreational and educational opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Jane Davis, President and CEO of Ability Beyond.  “We are extremely grateful to O’Neill’s and the Curtin family for this generous contribution that will make a significant difference for those we serve with our innovative programs right here in the lower Fairfield County community.”
 
Ability Beyond assisted with race preparations and on the day of the race. Participants in the Ability Beyond Norwalk adult day program helped stuff the runner swag bags and individuals from one of Ability Beyond’s many residential programs handed out water to the runners. A team of employees also volunteered to help with event set-up, registration, kid’s tent activities and much more.
 
Following the race, runners and families returned to O’Neill’s Pub for a cookout, cocktails, music and more.
 
Ability Beyond is a 501{c} (3) organization headquartered in Bethel, CT and Chappaqua, NY. It provides a wide range of services for over 3,000 people with a disability that inhibits their activities of daily living -- including numerous residential alternatives, employment training, career counseling, job placement services, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational activities. Today, its services extend throughout Connecticut and New York’s lower Hudson Valley. For more information about Ability Beyond go to www.abilitybeyond.org.
 
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PHOTO: A team of more than 40 Ability Beyond staff members, clients and families joined runners and supporters at the 7th Annual O’Neill’s 5K Run in Memory of Annie Curtin on May 19, 2019 in Norwalk, Conn. to raise $50,000 for the nonprofit Ability Beyond organization.

 

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Submitted by Hartford, CT

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