The event included numerous activities for adults and children, including face painting done by Arc staff members, and music which was provided by the New York based radio station Power 105.1.
"We have been here since the beginning," said Eric Williams of Woodbridge, who came out with four-year-old daughter Jessica in tow. "I believe she walked for the first time in a stroller."
Jessica, who can walk on her own now, was enjoying the day dancing with her favorite pals Blue from Blue's Clues and Elmo from Sesame Street, who were among the special guests at the walk.
But what was Jessica's favorite part? "The face painting," she exclaimed.
"We're very excited to have everyone here [despite the weather]. We've raised about $30,000 and we're still counting," said Sandra Velasquez, director for The Arc of New Jersey's Hudson County Chapter. "We really need this funding to help continue our mission."
Part of the statewide non-profit The Arc of New Jersey, the Hudson County chapter, based at 405-409 36th St. in Union City, offers assistance to people with developmental disabilities and their families through programs such as day care, family support groups, job training, and an employment program among others.
Long time supporters and friends
Registration for the walk began at 11:30 a.m., and among the local organizations that came out to help were members of the Masonic Lodges of the 5th District, which is part of The Grand Lodge of New Jersey Free and Accepted Masons.
"The Freemasons have always been supporters of the community and charitable events," said Steve Wolfson, district deputy grand master for the 5th Masonic District. "It's one of our main purposes as an organization."
Every year, the Freemasons provide refreshments for the participants, raise money for The Arc, and even participate in the walk as well.
The Free and Accepted Masons are a fraternal organization that has been in existence since 1717, and has included influential members such as George Washington and Ben Franklin.
The 5th District represents the area from Cliffside Park to Bayonne, where they are based.
Another annual sponsor, who came out for the walk this year was the financial investment firm Goldman Sachs, who gave out goodie bags including t-shirts to those who sold $50 or more in raffle tickets for the event.
Also doing their part were the representatives of Power 105.1.
"We are here for the kids and all the fun and excitement," said Julius "Jammin JD" Dyson, head of the promotions power team for Power 105.1. "It's for a good cause and we're here just to show our support."
Special guests included the Tom Baffuto, executive director of The Arc of New Jersey, and state senatorial hopeful Brian Stack, who was joined by members of the Union City Board of Commissioners. Stack is also mayor of Union City.
School spirit
In addition, several schools from throughout North Hudson lent their annual support including the students from Memorial High School, who raised about $4,000 for this year's walk.
"All we asked for was a $1 and if you wanted to give more that was great," said senior Nataly Napoles, 17, who was participating for the first time this year.
Students from Memorial High School have been participating in the walk for the last five years thanks to the organizational efforts of teachers Elaine Martinez and Carmen Guerra of the World Languages.
Guerra has been involved with the Arc for five years, and her brother also attends many of the programs. According to Guerra, these programs are vital to the special needs populous of Hudson County because it provides them a place to belong, and gives them the necessary life skills and job training to be contributing, independent members of the community.
Other students participating in the walk on Saturday were from Jose Marti Middle School, Emerson High School and Union Hill High School in Union City, as well as students from North Bergen High School and Horace Mann Elementary School in North Bergen.
Emerson High School raised $2,000 for the walk; Union Hill High School raised $1,000, and a combined $4,000 was raised by North Bergen High School and Horace Mann Elementary School. The students from Jose Marti Middle School also raised about $500 for the walk.
Independent 'Arc'
The Hudson County chapter of The Arc of New Jersey receives funds from the state division, yet requires additional funding to expand their programs. The annual walk-a-thon raises money to further expand The Arc's services and programs.
"Right now the [state] Division of Development Disabilities funds most of our programs," said Velasquez.
The Arc also receives funding from Hudson County through the Community Development Block Program, which provides community based organizations, such as The Arc, with the necessary funding resources.
"The program provides resources [for this organization] that serves our special needs people, who really are special people," said Susan Mearns, division chief of Hudson County Housing and Community Development. "We started to develop a relationship with The Arc since its inception, and have been helping them to become a presence in Hudson County."
Mearns also came out the day of the walk.
"It's not only important that we fund them, but to be a presence as well," she said. "So [The Arc] knows we are here to support them."
Come this July 1st, The Arc of New Jersey in Hudson County will finally become an independent chapter of the state organization.
"It actually means that we are no longer [solely] under The Arc of New Jersey, but that we are an independent chapter, which will open the door for more funding," said Velasquez. "We will be known as The Arc of Hudson County."
For more information about The Arc of New Jersey, call (201) 319-9229 or visit www.arcnj.org. Jessica Rosero can be reached at jrosero@hudsonreporter.com Sidebar SPONSORS
The walk was sponsored by several local and statewide organizations including Amerigroup, The Provident Bank, D Banknorth, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., Power 105.1, Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall, United Way of Hudson County, PSE&G, First Jersey Mortgage Services, Inc., Ramirez and Sons' Auto Service and Collision, Inc., Party Perfect Rentals, Nationwide Bowling, Kearny Federal Savings Bank, the West New York Food Bazaar, and participating schools and recreation centers throughout Hudson County. Other statewide sponsors included The Grand Lodge of New Jersey Free and Accepted Masons.
"Step Up For The Arc - Walk 2007" is presented by The Arc of New Jersey in Hudson County in conjunction with all of the local chapters of The Arc around the state. The Arc of New Jersey and its local chapters compose the largest non-profit advocacy and service organization, supporting people with mental retardation and their families throughout all 21 counties of New Jersey.
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