POMPANO BEACH FL (4.04.08) – With a blast of an air horn Arielle signaled the start of the Miles for Smiles Walkathon. The noise sent a sea of walkers in white event t-shirts across the starting line of the fifth annual charity walk. View pictures of the event here.

Arielle and other Center residents set off with more than 200 supporters, including local high school students, firefighters, community members and Center staff. Held on Saturday, April 12th at the Pompano Beach Air Park, the 4.2-mile walk raised a record $25,000 to help the Center pay for educational and recreational programs for children with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Cheered on by Pompano Beach Fire Rescue clowns and encouraged by volunteers at checkpoints around the route, most walkers finished the event in less than 90 minutes. Following the event, walkers enjoyed a post-walk party and awards ceremony.

"This level of community support is a real tribute to the spirit of these amazing children and the staff who work so hard to serve them," said Center CEO, Marjorie Evans. "The generosity and commitment to these children from our local community remains the Center's greatest asset."

Hollywood resident, Laura Dewitt, whose entire family participated in support of the Center said it was a fun and healthy way to support those with special needs. "Every day the Broward Children's Center makes the lives of these children better than they would have been and that's something we all need to support."

The Miles for Smiles logo and t-shirts forms were all designed by Buddy Bryan, a resident of one of the Center's group homes, and awards for sponsors were made by Center preschoolers.

Development Manager, Giselle Barragan said the event had surpassed expectations. "We're thrilled with the success of this year's event despite tough economic times. It really demonstrates a level of commitment to these children and their special needs." 

All proceeds support Broward Children’s Center, a nonprofit organization providing medical, developmental and therapeutic services for children and young adults with special needs.

For information please contact Thor Barraclough at 954.410.4410 or email

For more than 35 years, Broward Children’s Center has been providing medical, educational, and advocacy services to infants, children, and young adults with special needs.