PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Friendship Circle held its sixth annual Walk4Friendship and its first 5K race in Pittsburgh\u2019s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, as the local nonprofit marks 20 years of operations. <\/p>\n
More than 650 people signed up to participate in the event.<\/p>\n
Founded in 2006, the organization works to build an inclusive Pittsburgh for people with disabilities. It provides free, year-round programs that connect youth and young adults of all abilities through friendship, wellness and employment.<\/p>\n
The event relied on community participation, with families, teens, school clubs and local groups forming walk and run teams to lead fundraising efforts.<\/p>\n
During the event, volunteers distributed activity kits that were assembled during the 10-27 Healing Partnership Day of Service.<\/p>\n
Among its ongoing initiatives, the Friendship Circle operates The Beacon teen wellness center and Bunny Bakes, an inclusive cafe that provides workforce readiness training and employment for adults with disabilities.<\/p>\n
Rabbi Mordy Rudolph serves as executive director of the Friendship Circle. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels like kindness is something that\u2019s necessary today, more so than ever,\u201d Rudolph said. \u201cAnd so, to be able to promote that in a way that everyone can understand and appreciate, it crosses all political divides, all other divides, and it\u2019s something that everyone can appreciate and be a part of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n