May 8th, 2018 -- On Saturday April 28, 2018, Central Park, New York City was abuzz with excitement, activities, and fellowship, following a spirited 3-mile Walkathon in support of Asthma Awareness.
Green Valley Global Inc., organizers of the event, also used the opportunity to draw attention to asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people have asthma. There is no known cure for asthma but it can be managed with proper prevention to asthma attacks and treatment.
At the end of the 3-mile walk, participants were served bottles of water and took part in three activities for which winners were awarded appreciation prizes. The games were, On the River on the Bank, Simon Says and Lime and Spoon Race. The competition was fierce, accompanied by a healthy dose of fun! Beatrice Daniel who hails from Sandy Point St. Kitts, won the Lime and Spoon Race, following two intensely contested elimination races. Mrs. Daniel also won Simon Says; The On the River; On the Bank title was captured by Jai Worrell, a teenage student from Brooklyn. The guests expressed their excitement at reliving childhood games and were excited about the level of competition.
The highlight of Saturday’s event was a Family brunch at the Rowhouse Lounge in Harlem, New York.
The main speaker at the event was Ms. Hillary Austin, founder and member of the TAP & QA Asthmatic Association. Ms. Austin shared with the guests that she lost her daughter Sharon Harvey to asthma eight years ago. Although she was diagnosed with asthma as an adult, Sharon was a lively and bubbly young woman who chose not to allow her illness to dictate her lifestyle. She was actively involved in volunteering in her Bronx community and she lived her life in service to others. Sharon’s mother Hillary Austin has vowed to honor her legacy through the work of the Asthmatic Association.
To bring awareness to the plight of many asthma sufferers, the TAP & QA Asthmatic Association provides financial assistance to students who have been diagnosed with asthma. The Association also distributes asthma pumps to children and families in need and has also been actively involved in disaster relief work, as they did just last year, following hurricanes Maria and Irma. The TAP & QA Asthmatic Association hosts its annual Gala in October to recognize Nationals in the Diaspora for their service to others.
Green Valley Global, Inc. also shared its platform with Matthew Swinson, whose expertise in Insurance protection was presented for guests to consider security plans for their children and families.
The guests enjoyed a delicious spread of breakfast and lunch treats, including saltfish, Johnny cake okra, eggplant, home fries, eggs, sausages, fruit and green salads. Delbert Gumbs was the event’s lively DJ.
Tokens of appreciation provided by Nikki Wilkes were distributed to ALL walkers. Special tokens were also given to walkers who took part in the walkathon for the first time, namely Ms. Jill Lewis, Ms. Bridgette Tota and Ms. Jackie Payne-Smith.
Mervin Rouse was also recognized as the fastest walker on the 3-mile route. Ms. Doris Weekes celebrated her birthday on April 28, 2018 and the GVG organizers recognized her by singing Happy Birthday and presenting her with a birthday cake.
In bidding thanks to the guests, the Green Valley Global organizers reminded all in attendance that the work of the organization is focused on partnering with our community of Nationals in the Diaspora, in St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean. The partnerships the organization has built over the years allow for more meaningful and impactful initiatives to be organized. Attendees were lauded for walking and supporting the event and were also encouraged to support next year’s walk, which promises to be bigger and better.
Thanks to the management and staff of the ROWHOUSE and all who assisted in making the eight annual Green Valley Global, Inc. Walkathon and Brunch event a tremendous success.
Disclaimer
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)