Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.The booming sound of the Salem Saints drums filled the corridors of Westroads Mall on Sunday afternoon as the drill team kicked off the 8th annual Walk and Roll for Disabilities.
About 500 people wearing red shirts formed teams and walked and rolled in wheelchairs around the mall's upper level to raise money for the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute.
"The best part," said Ben Herink, a participant who has cerebral palsy, "is meeting new people and seeing my friends from camp."
The Munroe-Meyer Institute helps children and adults with developmental disabilities through research, education and therapy.
"Munroe-Meyer has been great. They are an excellent organization that has made a real difference," said Jay Herink, Ben's dad. "We'll support them for the remainder of our lives."
Donations come from private pledges and corporate sponsors who provided snacks for the participants after the event.
"Ben raised $1,325 for the event by himself," Jay Herink said.
"Donations are up this year despite registration being a little down," said Mary McHale, co-chairwoman of the Meyer Foundation board of directors.
Organizers also raffled prizes, including gift certificates ranging from $10 to $150, Henry Doorly Zoo passes and Creighton University baseball and soccer season tickets.
Alfredo and Veronica Vera participated. Their son, Alex, lost his battle with leukemia in 2005.
"We try to keep helping even though he passed away, because there are still so many people like Alex that need help," Veronica Vera said.
"We want to keep helping this great organization by staying involved."
The event included entertainment from Rocky Raccoon and clowns.
The color guard from Bellevue East High School led the procession around the mall, followed by the Westside Sparkles, a cheerleading group at Westside High School made up of girls with disabilities.
Members of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Student Council for Exceptional Children, UNMC pharmacy students and the Omaha Burke Key Club volunteered at Walk and Roll, providing information, handing out T-shirts and passing out snacks.
For more information on the Munroe-Meyer Institute or to donate, click here.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1304, kevin.brabec@owh.com
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