TUCKER, Ga. (May 20, 2020)—Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) raised over $45,000 in its 20th Annual Run Walk ‘n Roll on Saturday, May 9. One of the organization’s main annual fundraisers, this year the family-friendly event was re-imagined as a “virtual” event due to the pandemic. 175 participants across thirteen states “got moving” through a variety of activities anywhere they chose—running or walking on a treadmill, rolling through their neighborhood, hiking a trail or riding bikes, just to name a few. Many participants posted photos and videos of themselves during the event across social media with the hashtag #MovingwithFODAC.
“We were overwhelmed by the response from our supporters who enthusiastically embraced the reformatted event,” said Chris Brand, president and CEO of FODAC. “Many nonprofits have had to postpone or cancel major fund-raising events because of COVID-19 and the resulting social restrictions, but FODAC friends took up the challenge in diverse and inventive ways to raise a record amount of funds to support our mission.”
Vicki Crowell, of Union City, Georgia, was this year’s top fundraiser, raising $3,700 in sponsorships and surpassing her top fundraiser status from the 2019 RWnR.
Funds from RWnR will support FODAC’s mission to provide home medical equipment, (HME) such as wheelchairs, shower benches and walkers, at little to no cost for mobility-challenged recipients and their families and caregivers. Last year, FODAC’s HME program provided over 8,500 items to the disability community, helping to increase mobility and independence for the recipients. 10% of FODAC clients are children, and because of equipment they receive from FODAC, they are able to attend school, exhibit more independence at home, and engage in life more fully as children should.
Corporate sponsors for RWnR included Combined Services, Kids ‘r’ Kids, Bullseye Auction and Appraisals, Rusty and Laura McKellar, Strickland & Schwartz, VGM Group, Marathon Financial Strategies, and Emory Alliance Credit Union.
Those wishing to make financial donations to FODAC in support of its HME work can do so at fodac.org.
