John Henry Romano was very excited about being named Grand Marshal for the Walk for St. Mary’s Kids and Family Fun Day. He woke both his mother and father up very early on Sunday, the day of the event.

Hundreds of walkers came out in support of the 10-year-old boy who had survived being shot in the face. The walk also honored a 9-year-old boy who had recently died from cancer. The walk held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park raised money for the Bayside children’s hospital that helped to care for both children.

Romano wore a “Grand Marshall” sash and was placed in a golf cart at the front of the walk. His mother followed behind him. Dance music started the walk. The three mile walk through the park was followed by games in the Playground for All Children, a park that was created for children of all abilities.

The day for St. Mary’s was expected to raise $200,000. St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children is a nationally recognized provider of care to children with special needs and life-limiting conditions located in Bayside, New York. Approximately 2,000 people attended the walk.

Jim Armbruster, a 60 year-old businessman began walking on May 6th and will walk from Illinois to California. He is raising money for Marklund, a charity that provides care for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Armbruster is personally connected to Marklund. His son, Nathan is developmentally disabled and is a resident of Marklund. Armbruster has donated both time and resources over the years to Marklund.

His campaign called “California or Bust for Marklund’s Kids” will end when he reaches the Golden Gate Bridge. He anticipates reaching the bridge the third week of October. Armbruster travels an average of twenty miles each day.

At night he sleeps in a motor coach driven by a friend. He walks a route during the day which follows major interstates. People can follow Armbruster’s journey by visiting his website to make a donation or to cheer him on.

So far he has raised $26,694. He hopes to raise more but he has not set a specific goal to target.

Seventy-two walkers raised at least $150 that will support Angels of Hope and the Noah-Christian Community Center Outreach Ministry. The project gives hope for those who have lost a child before or after birth. Money raised will go to the ministry which reaches out to inner city youth in Roanoke, and also to the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital.

Women wore green t-shirts from Angels of Hope. Some walked in memory of children and others walked simply to support the ministry. Some mothers brought toddlers in strollers with them to enjoy the beautiful summer day. The walk was held on the 5-kilometer track at the Salem Civic Center.

The first two charity walks for the Noah-Christian Community Center raised more than $23,000 for University of Virginia Children’s Hospital research for infants and children. Future charity walk funds are aimed at funding a scholarship program to assist parents who need financial assistance burying an infant or a child.