Friendship Circle hosts walk to help special needs kids
Fundraiser is March 30

IN THE SPIRIT- A local girl waves a flag as she participates in the Conejo Valley Friendship Circle 5K Friendship Walk last year. Money raised helps fund child-centered activities.

The Conejo Valley Friendship Circle will hold its third annual 5K Friendship Walk to raise funds to support programs for special needs children and their families from 1 to 4 p.m. Sun., March 30.

The walk will begin at the Chabad of Agoura Hills, 30345 Canwood St., proceed on Reyes Adobe Boulevard, and culminate with a festival with music, refreshments and entertainment at Sumac Park, 6000 Calmfield Ave.

Taking part in the walk will be Mayor Pro Tem Denis Weber and Councilmember William Koehler from the city of Agoura Hills, and Mayor Jacqui Irwin and Councilmember Andrew Fox from the city of Thousand Oaks.

Don Stark, who played Bob Pinciotti in "That '70s Show," will serve as one of the grand marshals.

The money raised from the walk will help fund childcentered activities including winter camp, volunteer teen training, special outings, fitness programs, camps, fairs and festivals. Last year, more than $100,000 in donations was received.

Established in 2002, the Conejo Valley Friendship Circle is a local nonprofit organization that serves more than 150 families in the West San Fernando and Conejo valleys. More than 300 teens volunteer to be buddies to special needs children and share activities with them. The circle is nonsectarian and nondenominational. Its programs are open to all and are offered free of charge to qualifying families. Funding comes primarily from charitable donations and corporate sponsors from the community

For more information, call (818) 865-2233 or visit www.friendshipwalk.org.