Community Comes Together to Support Education and Therapy Programs for Individuals with Special Needs
BUENA PARK, Calif. (May 9, 2024) – Speech and Language Development Center (SLDC) is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of its 2024 Walk Your Way event, which took place on Sunday, April 7th, at Knott’s Berry Farm. This year’s event not only raised an impressive $68,154 but also witnessed the largest turnout since the onset of the pandemic and a 30% increase in attendance from the previous year.
The 2024 Walk Your Way welcomed a remarkable 547 participants, comprised of walkers, dancers, vendors, and sponsors, plus an additional 170 volunteers. The SLDC campus community came out strong, with teachers and staff showing their school spirit and over 70 students and their families participating in the walk. In addition to Platinum Sponsor Knott’s Berry Farm, Gold sponsors included United Healthcare, Nike, Leo Paper Group, and Kitchen Table Marketing. The collective success of this day reflects the unwavering dedication of our community to empowering individuals with special needs.
Since its inception, the Walk Your Way event has been instrumental in SLDC’s philanthropic endeavors, ensuring exceptional education and therapy programs year-round. The 1-mile walk, held in the safe and inclusive environment of Knott’s Berry Farm, brought together participants of all ages and abilities, uniting families, organizations, and community partners.
"We are immensely grateful to everyone who participated in the 2024 Walk Your Way event. The generosity of our teams, sponsors, donors, and vendors will directly impact local families and individuals with special needs, allowing us to continue fostering growth and unlocking potential."
The walk featured performances by local dance troops, encouragement from an enthusiastic Peanuts Gang, and a custom sensory tunnel. After the walk, the fun continued with a resource fair providing valuable information for individuals with special needs and their families. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore an interactive, sensory-friendly Kid Zone, while enjoying live entertainment, crafts, face painting, music, food, and a Peanuts Gang meet-and-greet.
Adding to the excitement and sense of community spirit on the day of the event, the first 150 registrants received complimentary SLDC water bottles and fundraising teams were rewarded with fantastic prizes, including tickets to Knott’s, Snoopy Plushies, and more.
To learn more about the Speech & Language Development Center and its programs, please visit www.sldc.net.
About Speech and Language Development Center
Founded in 1955, Speech and Language Development Center is a non-public school and therapy center serving children and adults, ages 1 through 40 years, in an environment that nurtures growth, inspires achievement, and maximizes their potential. With campuses in Buena Park and Temecula, SLDC supports individuals with special needs in language, learning and/or behavior across more than 50 school districts in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The center is certified by the California State Department of Education and licensed by the California State Department of Social Services. For more information about SLDC, visit www.sldc.net.
