Stroll ‘N Roll Raises $150K to Change the Lives of People with Disabilities

More than 500 people of all ages and abilities joined together on Sunday, September 27, in Verona Park for the 14th Annual Kessler Foundation Stroll ‘N Roll, presented by Biogen and Gibbons. To date, more than $150,000 was raised to change the lives of people with disabilities, making 2015 the most successful and well-attended Stroll ‘N Roll in the history of the event. Every dollar advances Kessler Foundation’s medical rehabilitation research and funds disability employment initiatives that return people to their homes, their communities and the workplace.

“Stroll ‘N Roll reminds us that abilities matter most and that our community is stronger when people of all abilities come together,” said Rodger DeRose, president and chief executive officer of Kessler Foundation. “We are grateful to everyone who helped raise vital funds to change the lives of people with disabilities. The impact of this generosity is profound. Individuals will get out of their wheelchairs and take their first steps; regain the ability to drive; improve their ability to think, learn and remember; and contribute their skills to the workforce.” 

This year’s Stroll ‘N Roll was an event for people of all ages—featuring music, carnival games and entertainment, miniature golf, craft making, face painting and food—as well as a stroll or roll around Verona Lake. The event welcomed U.S. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, N.J. Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin and N.J. Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, who brought a Proclamation from the state legislature recognizing the event.

SYNTAX, an a cappella quartet, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the Bearfoot dancers performed and Ronald McDonald greeted guests. A DJ group from Pathways for Exceptional Children—a career mentorship program for students with disabilities supported by Kessler Foundation—provided the music for the crowd. Even family dogs enjoyed the day.

Ryan Schinman, Stroll ‘N Roll chairman and Kessler Foundation trustee, recognized Daniel Mollino for achieving his lifelong dream to bicycle across the U.S. after sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a fall in 2010. The avid cyclist and Ringwood, N.J. resident wasn’t expected to survive, but after two weeks in a coma, he began his long road to recovery. Mollino relearned to walk, talk, read and eventually ride. In June, he completed a 3,650-mile bicycle journey from West Orange to San Diego to raise awareness for brain injury and funds for Kessler Foundation’s TBI research. 

The North Jersey Navigators, an adaptive sports team for junior athletes with disabilities, joined Stroll ‘N Roll. Competing all over the world, the Navigators win hundreds of medals along the way. Kessler Foundation has supported the team since 2006. “The successes of Dan, the Navigators and others with ‘disabilities’ remind us that abilities are what matter,” said DeRose.

Representatives from disability organizations supported by Kessler Foundation also joined the fun. These organizations work every day help people with disabilities increase their independence—through employment, job training, transportation and community inclusion. 

Every dollar support advances rehabilitation research and funds employment initiatives to help people with disabilities live independent and fulfilling lives. 

For more information, contact:
Deb Hauss, [email protected]
Carolann Murphy, [email protected]

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