Members of the Life Enrichment Center of Oyster Bay laced up their walking shoes once again for the organization’s annual Walk-a-thon, a fundraiser that has evolved from a pandemic-era activity into a community-building tradition that promotes fitness, friendship and support for the center’s programs.
The event, now in its sixth year, began during the COVID-19 pandemic when gathering indoors was largely impossible. According to Judy Palumbo, director of the Life Enrichment Center, the original concept was designed to encourage older adults to remain active while maintaining social distance.
“When it started, it wasn’t even so much a group walk; it was like, walk when you want, where you want, with who you want,” Palumbo said. “It was just trying to get people outdoors.”
The fundraiser was also intended to launch a peer-to-peer fundraising effort, allowing participants to form teams and seek donations from friends, family members and professional networks.
The model continues to drive the event’s success. Palumbo said two longtime teams remain responsible for much of the money raised each year, helping generate roughly $15,000 annually for the center. Last year’s event raised approximately $17,000.
The walk itself follows a route through Oyster Bay, beginning on White Street before entering Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park through the marina entrance. Participants gathered for a group photograph near the flagpole before continuing through the park and returning toward Audrey Avenue.
The event requires coordination with local officials, including permits and a police escort. Organizers also arrange for a golf cart to accompany walkers in case participants need assistance along the route.
While the basic structure of the fundraiser has remained largely unchanged over the years, the center has expanded its walking activities beyond the annual event. Organized walks throughout the year have helped create lasting social connections among participants.
“It’s established a lot of new friendships,” Palumbo said. “It’s really opened some doors for people socially.”
The center’s regular walking program has included destinations throughout the region, from local historic sites to waterfront routes. This year’s schedule focuses on locations closer to Oyster Bay, including walks around Sagamore Hill and the waterfront.
For Palumbo, the event’s value extends beyond fundraising. She said the walk-a-thon reflects the center’s broader mission of promoting healthy aging and encouraging older adults to stay active. Palumbo emphasized the importance of maintaining mobility as people age.
“One of the things when we first launched it, you know, you take for granted that you can walk,” she said. “I just would like to encourage people to take advantage of all you could do, you know at this point of your life.”
Among the participants this year was 96-year old Filomena Ladisa, who completed the walk-a-thon for the second consecutive year.
Asked what she enjoys most about the event, Ladisa pointed to the opportunity to spend time outdoors and connect with others.
She also praised the Life Enrichment Center itself and the services it provides for older adults in the community.
“I love it,” Ladisa said. “I love it to be here.”
Comparing the center to other senior programs she has encountered, Ladisa added, “I saw other places. I went in Florida. Nothing like this.”
For more information on the enrichment center, the work it does and how to support it, visit LifeEnrichmentCenterOysterBay.org.
