One person at a time, one year at a time, the Opportunity Village Benefit Walk has compiled nearly $1 million in support of people with disabilities.

This year's Benefit Walk on Sunday, May 4, will be the 39th year we've come together for our friends and neighbors. A goal of $56,000 will take us over the top of $1 million raised since the Walk first began as the "Youth March" in 1970. That's a very achievable goal, as last year's total exceeded $64,000.

For details on Walk day, including shuttle and start times, please click here.

The total raised through all of the Village Walks comes to an estimated $944,154. We're so close to a milestone! Maybe you had a part in that first Youth March as a high school student. Maybe you joined us last year for the first time as a service project. Or maybe you've never been a part of this North Iowa tradition before. But this is the year to be a part of history.

The Walk has changed the lives of hundreds of people with disabilities served by Opportunity Village. The very first Youth March took place before the Village even opened. Earthmovers started preparing the site in Clear Lake a few weeks after the spring event in 1970, and the first Village cottage opened in 1971. We can't say for sure, but we like to think our Benefit Walk is the oldest walkathon around.

Each year, walkers collect sponsorship dollars from donors and then walk together on the first Sunday in May. Walkers can choose either a 3-mile or 10-mile route or use the Village fitness trail. Everyone gathers for a picnic and prizes at the end.

Recruit your service club or inspire your church group to participate. Challenge your business associates to make it a community project. If you can't walk on May 4, become a sponsor by hooking up with a walker or mailing your Benefit Walk gift directly to the Village.

If you use the Internet, you can create your own Benefit Walk web page at FirstGiving. You can put a picture of yourself on the page, tell why you're participating, and set a goal. Then send personalized e-mails to your friends, asking them to donate by credit card or mail in a check. This is a great way to participate even if you can't be in Clear Lake on May 4. The event helps create a network of people working together to benefit Opportunity Village and those we serve. If you need help creating your FirstGiving site, download instructions here.

All you need to do is say, "Would you please sponsor me in the Benefit Walk?" And we can make "millions" of changes in the lives of people with disabilities.

For more information, contact Michael Mahaffey, Chief Development Officer, or call 641-355-1231.

We're producing a new library of video images to show the many faces of Opportunity Village. The first segment is done, which includes a look at the day activities and work opportunities that take place at the Kinney-Lindstrom Center in Clear Lake. Additional filming will show the variety of living supports the Village provides in North Iowa.

Come on, let us give you a tour of the heart of the Village!

We also can mail a DVD of the movie on request. Please e-mail Michael Mahaffey with your name and address and number of copies you want.

Dr. Tom Pomeranz, a nationally recognized authority in the field of services to people with disabilities, had some great things to say about Opportunity Village on his last visit here in June 2007.

Find out what he had to say about how the Village stacks up against other agencies around the country.

Joele and Phyllis carry on a musical conversation using a talking drum in their Music Therapy session called "Vivace." More than 130 individuals participate in the Village's Music Therapy program every week.

Have you ever wondered what's the difference between a music class and a Music Therapy session? Find out more about this unique therapy that benefits the individuals we support.

39th Annual Benefit Walk - Sunday, May 4, 2008
Appreciation Day - Sunday, April 20, 2008

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