Storefronts on the top level of the Oak View Mall were still shuttered and quiet in the early morning.
But a crowd of more than 300 people — clad in matching purple T-shirts — brought rousing life to the shopping mall on Sunday, March 8.
The group was gathered for the 22nd annual Walk and Roll for Disabilities, organized by the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities.
The event raises funds to support adult recreation programming at the Munroe-Meyer Institute. That programming includes cooking club, yoga club and a Thursday night program aimed at adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at MMI.
This year’s event brought in more than $43,000, said Mary McHale, president of the Meyer Foundation for Disabilities. But it also offers a chance for camaraderie.
“You don’t have to walk the fastest. You don’t have to roll the fastest,” McHale said. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to see each other and be together.”
Before the event began, the mall food court filled with walkers and rollers clad in purple “Walk and Roll” T-shirts. They nibbled on doughnuts, shared hugs and posed for photos.
Tayler McCain proudly toted her new penguin balloon animal, crafted by a clown set up in one wing of the mall, while she greeted friends.
McCain, 23, was excited to be at the event. Joined by her parents, McCain was recognized as an honorary advocate.
She’s been receiving services at MMI for a decade, her mother Heather McCain said. She is a frequent participant in recreation programming, including dance club and cooking club.
“MMI is her happiest place,” Heather McCain said. “It’s been a really nice place for us to be because we know she’s safe and happy.”
Louie Hilger and his family also were recognized as advocates for the event.
Ann Hilger, Louie’s mother, said attending the family’s first Walk and Roll event is a way to give back to MMI, where Louie has received speech services and participated in recreation programming.
“MMI has provided a community and support without judgment, without any explanations,” Hilger said.
After organizers, honorary advocates and the event’s presenting sponsor addressed the excited crowd, music blared and participants began their parade around the top floor of the mall. Some hoisted signs, and others posed for photos along the winding route.
The event is like a family reunion, said Nicole Giron, director of MMI’s Department of Recreational Therapy.
“It’s truly incredible to see the support and love that people have for our programs,” Giron said, adding that the turnout also illustrated the important relationships built through recreational programming.
“We’re so blessed and so lucky,” Giron said. “Other therapists may see a client for eight to 10 sessions. We are often with them for a lifetime.”