3rd Annual JT Walk & Beach Party Raises Over $1 Million

Rain Sunday Did Not Dampen Spirits In The Walk To Defeat ALS®

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 3rd Annual JT Walk & Beach Party was held Sunday at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.  In spite of wind-driven rain and chilly temperatures, more than 2,500 showed up for the walk and beach party.  By Sunday morning, donations totaled $1,011,902.  However, money was still being counted and donations are still coming in, so it is expected the walk will meet or exceed its goal of $1.2 million.  This year's event had signed up nearly 5,000 walkers to benefit the ALS Association, DC/MD/VA Chapter, JT's Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for EveryBODY and research grants in the fields of ALS and other neuromuscular diseases.  

While the actual walk was curtailed by some, participants were still able to enjoy a number of activities including a huge beach party featuring top area entertainment, food and beverages and many children's activities.  A large party tent provided plenty of shelter and room for the hundreds who came to show their support.  Entertainment by the popular band Butter provided a festive atmosphere for the food by Qdoba Mexican Fiesta and Beach Bully BBQ.  

The concept of the JT Walk & Beach Party originated with local hotelier and developer Bruce Thompson, whose son Josh was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease several years ago.  When Thompson saw the futility of the family's efforts to stop or cure ALS, he was driven to find a way to help others with the disease as well as generate funds for further research into a cure.  Last year's walk generated enough funds to build JT's Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for EveryBODY, a park for children with disabilities; contribute $400,000 to stem cell research; and provide funds to families financially devastated by the costs of care and treatment for loved ones with the disease.  

"I continue to stand in awe of the dedication of the thousands of people who support the JT Walk," Thompson said.  "Hundreds came out yesterday in some pretty miserable weather to show they care and to make a contribution to some very worthy causes that can make a difference in peoples' lives.  It was cold and rainy outside, but inside our party tent there was a lot of warmth, compassion and togetherness that my family and I will never forget," he added.  "Now, more ALS patients in Hampton Roads who are not as fortunate as we are will be able to afford proper care and treatment.  I have seen this disease up close, and Josh and I have been determined to do something together as father and son so that his suffering would produce something good for others."

The JT Walk continues to accept donations and gifts at the website jtwalk.org.

SOURCE JT Walk & Beach Party