Hundreds gathered in Sanford on Saturday, May 7 to participate in the Easter Seals UCP Walk With Me event at Depot Park. The event raised more than $27,000 for critical programs and services for children and adults with special needs and disabilities.

For the first time in the history of an Easter Seals UCP fundraising event, 20 percent of the net funds raised will be given to the American Red Cross to support local disaster relief efforts as a result of the severe storms and tornados that hit Sanford and surrounding areas three weeks ago. Thanks to the support of the Sanford community, including all of the walkers and sponsors, Easter Seals UCP is able to donate $4,200 to the American Red Cross.

“The devastating storm has affected many of the families and individuals we serve,” said Jamie Garrett, Easter Seals UCP community director. “The Sanford community has been a great support to our organization and we appreciate all of the participants in Saturday’s event. While the local services we provide are dependent on funds generated by events like Walk With Me, this is a time when we needed to redirect and rally around the entire community. We are proud that we were able to use this event to help.”