Friendship Circle Holds Successful Walk-4-Friendship

The Sam Bernstein Law Firm was proud to be one of the corporate sponsors of the Walk-4-Friendship, which was held on September 9, 2007 in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Several attorneys from our office and their families took part in the event, where they joined 1,300 participants who walked, wheeled, rolled and strolled, successfully raising close to $200,000 for the Friendship Circle of West Bloomfield.

The Friendship Circle is a non-profit, volunteer organization that provides social interaction, education, and other resources to special needs children and their families.

Our own Richard Bernstein was asked to speak at the event. Richard spoke of the importance of every individual maximizing their physical fitness and personal potential. His remarks moved the crowd, especially his personal message that it is possible to overcome any challenge.

Richard is currently training for his seventh marathon and was the founder of the Michigan Chapter of Achilles, a group that trains disabled athletes to participate in marathons and other events. Achilles is currently operated through the Friendship Circle.

Funds raised by the Walk-4-Friendship are helping the Friendship Circle expand programming for disabled children at the Meer Family Friendship Center and LifeTown. LifeTown is a mini-metropolis with a bank, grocery, hair salon and pet store where special needs children can explore basic life skills, like crossing the street, buying ice cream, and handling pets in a safe and therapeutically correct setting. A gym for basketball games and scooter races, a water room with simulated rain and thunder sounds, a dance and music room, and more, make the Meer Family Center a place that other communities use as a benchmark for their own dreams of serving children with disabilities.

On September 9, the fun didn’t end with the walk. At the finish line, Walk-4-Friendship participants enjoyed five inflatable rides for kids and adults, a marketplace, and a DJ who entertained. There were a variety of other carnival attractions, including a magic show and balloon artists.

As the day concluded, cheers erupted as the last walker, a 19-year-old with Downs syndrome, crossed the 5 K finish line with the help of friends and supporters.