Stroll & Roll Set to Raise More Than $920,000 in Support of Children and Adults with Disabilities

Celebrity champion Lauren Potter, best known for her role as, “Becky” on the hit TV show Glee, alongside longtime honorary chairs, Jaclyn Smith of Charlie’s Angels and Lee Meriwether actress, Cat Woman and special guest Heather Langenkamp actress from A Nightmare Before Elm Street joined with more than 2,400 walkers for the 2017 Stroll & Roll at the legendary backlot at Universal Studios in Universal City, California on Sunday, April 2nd.

AbilityFirst held the annual fundraising event in support of its mission of serving children and adults with disabilities. The funds raised benefit the 2,000 people and their families served by AbilityFirst each year. AbilityFirst helps children and adults with disabilities achieve their personal best by focusing on the successful transition from childhood to adult life; employment and employment preparation; building social connections and independence; and, offering our participants and their families an opportunity to refresh and recharge. Each year, this event helps AbilityFirst to raise money for the 91-year-old organization’s programs including Camp Paivika, its 70-year-old summer camp situated in the San Bernardino mountains.

“We are thrilled with this year’s Stroll & Roll,” said Chief Development Officer Josh Chan. “We experienced one of the largest, most successful, events in our 91year history with over 2,400 registered walkers and more than 11,000 transactions online. All our staff, participants, their families, corporate teams and sponsors come together in support of AbilityFirst programs in the community. Contributions from Stroll & Roll help us to fulfill our mission of serving children and adults with disabilities and achieve their personal best.”

Fundraising for Stroll & Roll will continue through May 31, 2017 with a matching grant from The AS&F Foundation, up to $75,000. Supporters can make their donation by visiting www.strollandroll.org

During the morning’s welcome presentation, first time Celebrity Champion, Lauren Potter shared with the crowd, “I am here today because we all need to stand up for each other, so we can all live, go to school and go to work without having to be afraid! Afraid of being judged, bullied, cyber-bullied or afraid to try new things. I can’t wait to get my first Stroll and Roll started!”

Honorary Chair Jaclyn Smith and her “Jaclyn’s Angels” along with more than forty other corporate teams and AbilityFirst programs and centers across Los Angeles, sponsors, families and friends all joined to raise money and more importantly, bring awareness and celebrate children and adults with disabilities.

Stroll & Roll was presented by Comerica Bank and Nextera, sponsors included Platinum Equity, Quetico, NRG, Jordana, Capital Group and Skechers Foundation. Top three corporate fundraising teams included Southern California Edision, Bolton & Company and Jaclyn Smith’s, “Jaclyn’s Angels.” NBC4 Southern California was the media sponsor for the event.