Sunday morning was bright and nearly 79 degrees for the third TotalLink Trot Stride for Inclusion in Northbrook on May 19.
An estimated 130 people participated in the two-mile walk along the trail at the Northbrook Park District’s Techny Prairie Park and Fields. The May 19 was the rescheduled rain date from April.
This year’s event fundraising goal was $20,000. TotalLink to Community is a Northbrook-based non-profit organization focused on empowering adults with disabilities. One goal is to encourage persons served to live fulfilling lives by working, socializing, learning and contributing in the community.
More than 175 adults with disabilities find and maintain paid jobs in their community via TotalLink to Community. The organization provides more than 25 social and learning programs for adults to remain active in their communities.
“The TotalLink Trot is not just a walk, it’s a celebration of inclusion and community spirit,” said Emily Raming of Northfield, TotalLink to Community executive director. “It’s exciting to see the community coming together, walking side-by-side and a great example of our journey towards a more inclusive society.”
Before participants stepped off, they heard a message of gratitude by Alisa Martorano, TotalLink to Community director of development.
“We had a big turnout for our third annual TotalLink Trot,” Martorano said. “This year, we are fortunate to have 16 community businesses and individuals sponsor the event. Thanks to all of them and the Northbrook Park District for hosting our walk along the Techny Prairie Path.
“And, we couldn’t do this without our wonderful volunteers from the community and the Northbrook Rotary Club,” Martorano added.
Cathy Brandell of Northbrook, one of the founders of TotalLink to Community, is the parent of Allissa Brandell, who works at Greenbriar School in Northbrook as support staff. TotalLink to Community helped Allissa to find the position.
Cathy Brandell started developing the concept which became TotalLink to Community with collaborative Northbrook parents in 2003.
“And we knew in the next year we needed help,” Cathy Brandell said.
“It’s the best cause in Northbrook,” Allissa’s mother said. “It brings all of our individuals with cognitive challenges to live, work and play in our community, using our community services.
“They deserve it,” Cathy Brandell said. “They deserve to be a part of the community.”
Allissa Brandell said, “It’s been fun” to take part in TotalLink to Community services.
Jess Martin of Northbrook said about TotalLink to Community, “It’s cool.”
Karina Salas and Bryan Sandoval of Niles participated. Salas works for a Niles place of employment where TotalLink to Community partners by placing jobs through TotalLink.
“I know they have done a lot of great work,” Salas said about TotalLink.
“It’s always good to help out community organizations,” Sandoval said.
Barb Freund of Northbrook was an event volunteer.
About TotalLink to Community, “It’s an incredible part of the community, I think, and there’s a real need,” Freund said.
Michael Furby of Northbrook was also a participant wearing one of the bright neon green TotalLink to Community event t-shirts. Furby is impressed with the organization’s goal to help individuals with intellectual disabilities to find meaningful employment.
“That’s big,” Furby said. “It’s good for self-esteem. “It’s a wonderful cause.”
Liz Howard of Northbrook was a participant.
“I think the important part is the community involvement and the opportunity for us as community members to support the important work that these non-profit organizations are doing for our citizens and for those who are in need of the services,” Howard said. “And particularly, this organization, TotalLink does such great work for the community and for its participants.
“We’re happy to be here stepping off.”
Visit https://www.totallink2.org.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
