Guest: Donna Becker
Topic: ILGR 2021 Run Walk and Roll and ADA Celebration
Duration: 5:11
Published: June 17, 2021
Host: Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Donna Becker, Assistant to the Director of Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), and your host is yours truly Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program Donna.
Guest: Thank you Ernie.
Host: And although you're here to talk about an exciting event that's happening in the not too distant future, for the benefit of our listeners, could you tell us what ILGR does to assist people with disabilities in the Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming County area?
Guest: Yes, Ernie, the funds that we're going to raise from this event help with our employment program. We help provide uniforms, steel toed boots, transportation assistance, resume writing, interviewing support. We help with our housing program, and that can be anywhere from a security deposit to some household items to our Rapid Rehousing program which is for homeless, to our loan closet, which we can get more durable medical equipment that we loan out to consumers.
Host: Well, that's quite a range of services to help people with disabilities live self-sufficiently in the community. And of course, all that requires some money which is the whole purpose of your upcoming event. What can you tell us about the 2021 Walk Run and Roll?
Guest: Well, this year, every year we do something to celebrate on July 26, the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is the 31st year, so this year we are holding it out at DeWitt Recreation Area. It's at 115 Cedar Street in Batavia, and it's going to be live, we will have food trucks there. Our registration did begin on June 14. It is $25 a participant which includes a t shirt. And we'll also have a basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle there as well.
Host: Alright and this marks something different compared to the last 15 months. In what way is it different?
Guest: We will be in person; we will not have anything virtual. It will just be nice to get out in the community and see people again and just bring some people together.
Host: And I believe, participants have some additional options besides just showing there during the four hours.
Guest: Yes, there, this is a sand wash in Batavia, they have a beautiful pathway that circles the sand wash. They also have a quarter mile walk, a circle black topped area that you can do, and the Ellicott Trail also runs through there, which it goes from one end of Batavia to the other. People can walk, run, or roll that evening, or anytime in the timeframe from June 14 to July 26.
Host: Great, but there is some advantages to actually going there during the designated 4 hours, like, some food trucks.
Guest: Yes, we have so far 4 food trucks coming. We have LuGia’s On Wheels of Buffalo which is an ice cream truck. The Red Osier Restaurant. Center Street Smoke House. And Green Leaf, along with basket raffles and 50/50 raffles as well.
Host: That sounds terrific. And you wouldn't be able to do this without the support of some sponsors, who are they?
Guest: Our sponsors are, R.A. Heights Company, United Refining Company, Restore Sexual Assault Services and BWs Restaurant.
Host: Very fine, and you've made it very easy for participants to sign up for the event online, how do they do that?
Guest: Yes, they just have to go to www.runsignup.com/ilgrwalkrunroll
Host: Alright, and I suspect people are going to have some questions, how can they reach you to get them answered?
Guest: They can call me at 585-815-8501 extension 411 I'd be happy to answer any questions that they have.
Host: Alright, congratulations for actually being able to do something in person after all this time.
Guest: Thanks, Ernie. We're excited.
Host: And so are we. Thanks so much for being with us. You have a good day.
Guest: Thank you.
Host: You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Donna Becker, Assistant to the Director of ILGR, and your host was yours truly, Ernie Churchwell.