Your friendship s needed

As fellow local business- people, we are writing to inform you of an important event that will be taking place in the community this weekend.

On Sun., March 26, men, women and children from throughout Agoura, Oak Park and the Conejo Valley will be lacing up their walking shoes for the "Friendship Walk," a five-kilometer walk-a-thon at the Agoura High School track field to benefit children with special needs.

All of the money raised through this walk will go to the Friendship Circle, a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that provides programs and resources for children with conditions such as autism, Down's syndrome, ADD and other such challenges and disabilities.

The neighborhood teenagers who are involved will become friends and companions to these special kids, a formula that has produced remarkable results.

By coming out and joining this effort, local merchants have an opportunity to give something back to the community. In addition to the Grand Walk, the day's festivities will include family entertainment, music, refreshments and celebrity appearances.

If you are unable to physically come out to the event, you can still play a major role in this project by visiting the "Chamber of Commerce Page" on the Friendship Walk website at www.friendshipwalk.com.

Please demonstrate your generosity by choosing a level of support. And know that any contribution you make will be greatly appreciated. Your gift will be duly recognized on the website's scrolling Honor Roll.

The Friendship Circle extends its loving embrace to children from all segments of the community. Its budget is totally dependent upon the generosity of our good citizens. If you saw this amazing program in action, your heart would surely melt.

Please register to walk for the Friendship Circle or sponsor others to walk on your behalf. Please provide a boost to the families of the special needs children and to our local teenage volunteers who are changing these kids' lives in such a positive manner. Louis Masry, Alex Soteras Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce