Organizers called the 10th annual WalkRite for RiteCare, held on June 23 at Lake Zorinsky, a “wonderful success.”
The event raises funds to support speech-language therapy services at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute.
“The weather was a perfect 79 degrees as we welcomed 150 RiteCare families, the MMI staff and faculty, and Scottish Rite Masons and their families to Lake Zorinsky’s picnic pavilion for the walk,” said Scottish Rite spokesman Micah Evans.
“While WalkRite for RiteCare has a goal of fundraising for the clinic, the walk also has become an effort to celebrate our RiteCare families and give them a fun event, where they can simply enjoy the morning and fun activities with their kids.”
The UNO Nebraska Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSHLA) hosted a table with activities for children, including face painting and games. Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) brought therapy ponies for the children to pet. The Culinary Masters grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.
“The event is always a success when it brings together the Masons and the families that benefit from their generosity,” said Korey Stading, speech and assistive technology specialist, who attended the event as part of a large team from the MMI Department of Speech-Language Pathology. “Fun was had by all, and we were able to express our gratitude for everything that they do to support individuals with speech and language disorders. One 4-year-old, who receives services at the clinic, said his own thank you using his communication device, which melted our hearts.”
RiteCare families donated several raffle baskets, which raised an additional $400, and many families made generous donations throughout the day.
This year, WalkRite for RiteCare has raised $6,500 toward the Scottish Rite Foundation of Omaha’s commitment to speech therapy at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute.