Walk For Kids Wraps Around a Much Bigger Course than Expected

Families, friends, community members, and a myriad of organizations came from all over gathered together at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario on Sunday morning, April 12, with a few common goals in mind: celebrate, raise awareness and funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and to have a fun, healthy time. Although the 5K course at the Citizens Bank Arena was filled with participants as more continued to pile in to visit all the booths and other activities set up in the parking lot, there were more walks that took place in various places throughout Southern California including: the Exposition Park in Los Angeles, Honda Center in Orange County, and the Shoreline Park in Long Beach. Registration for the walk started at 6:30 a.m., while at 8 a.m. the opening ceremonies took place where most community members, organizations and businesses became lively as they prepared everyone for the 3.1 mile-long walk. Participants Anna, Linda, and Leilani Villa were first-timers at this annual walk. The three women came with the Wells Fargo team as they collectively supported the cause. “We came with a much bigger group,” Anna said as she waited with her teammates Linda and Leilani to meet up with their fellow Wells Fargo teammates. “It’s going to be a lot of fun with our group… we’re excited.” Many other organizations and businesses gathered together on this day as they wore matching shirts to represent their team as they embarked on the 3.1 mile journey. Family members Angie McNeil, Jen Smith and her son Ethan, 8, started walking to the colorful-balloon arc start line draped in Ronald McDonald gear. An eager Ethan shared while smiling, “I’m excited... it looks like a lot of fun.” Many participants had the opportunity to visit fun booths prior and post the 5k, as well as meet the one and only Ronald McDonald, and see the Batman Mobile up close and personal. Ronald McDonald volunteers filled the arena parking lot and the 5k route with big smiles and encouraging words. Volunteers and friends Joanna, Stacey, and Melissa were on the sidelines near the very front of the 5k, cheering their hearts out for the walking participants. “We volunteered to do it… we’re already having a great time and we just started,” Joanna added.