One of the premiere organizations dedicated to providing wrap-around services to children and adults with special needs is holding its first-ever 5K Run-Walk and Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 9.
The Institute for the Redesign of Learning will hold the run/walk and wellness fair at the Arroyo Seco South Fields, 650 Stoney Drive, South Pasadena, CA 91030.
Advance registration is through the event website: www.IRLRunWalk.org. The 5k is $35 to enter and begins at 8 a.m. A 1K walk recommended for children under 9 and persons with physical disabilities is $20 and starts at 8:30 a.m. Same day registration is from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on race day.
Food trucks and local businesses related to exercise, eating healthy and support services for IRL clients will be part of the wellness fair. Sponsors include City of Hope and Optum healthcare. The fair and run take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All proceeds will advance IRL’s mission: to empower individuals of all abilities to take charge of their own learning and lives, making it possible for them to be competent, caring and contributing members of society.
“It will help us raise money for our programs and help our clients to fulfill their dreams – by providing opportunities and access to resources,” said Gabriel Vazquez, IRL development associate.
The 5K route hugs the historic Arroyo Seco Trail located by the South Pasadena baseball fields. Participants walk or run the trail toward the Pasadena archery area and return on the other side of the riverbed. Water stations will be provided throughout the trail. Those who need assistance, walkers, and beginners are recommended to start from the back.
As of Sunday, April 3, 100 people have registered. Vazquez said the organization has set a goal of 200.
Businesses can sponsor the event by contacting Vazquez by phone or by email at gvazquez@redesignlearning.org. Sponsorships range from $200 for a booth to a “presenting sponsor” for $5,000.
For example, Pasadena small business owner Joseph Rene, owner of Estilo Salon on East Colorado Avenue, is sponsoring several runners.
Also, Estilo Salon will raise funds for IRL throughout April. “I am asking clients to sponsor me,” said Rene, who is running the 5K. “They will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 beauty bag.’’
The IRL serves 2,300 individuals with special needs from 247 ZIP codes throughout Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley each year.
IRL programs include: Almansor Center Early Education, a preschool for children birth to 4 years old; transition and adult services for those with cognitive challenges, PTSD and health challenges by providing job development, job placement and job coaching to 305 clients; assessments and group therapeutic services for children, youth and young adults ages 0-22 at clinics in South Pasadena and Commerce; Almansor Academy for students with emotional and behavioral challenges and other disabilities; Westmoreland Academy for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Money raised will be used for client programs, including the continuation of a mobile flower shop that provides unique job training to students in floral arranging and business management, Vazquez said.
“The idea is to train adults with disabilities to learn about flowers and business. Then, we will go to different farmer’s markets to sell what they create,” Vazquez explained. Whether through education, teaching life skills such as how to go grocery shopping or cook a meal, and job training, the programs at IRL encompass an overall objective.
“We want them to be part of the community. To know that they belong to a place. To be independent individuals in society,’’ Vazquez said.
