Welcome to My Walk Fundraising Page
Hayley Mayes
Hayley Mayes
As the marketing and fundraising intern for Friendship Circle's annual Walk4Friendship, I get to be part of something truly special every day. This event raises crucial funds to continue the incredible programs Friendship Circle offers, programs that have a profound impact on so many lives.
My journey with children with special needs began in middle school, inspired by my mom, who was a cognitively impaired elementary school teacher. I remember taking one of her students, who also attended my school, to art class whenever I could. Back then, I didn’t realize the difference I was making—I just thought of it as hanging out with a buddy. But for him, it was a friendship he could look forward to.
In high school, I joined the SNAPs (Students Need A Pal) program, where I was fortunate to work with students with autism every day for a year. My first real introduction to Friendship Circle was on a field trip with our SNAPs students to Life Town. It's an incredible mock-up village with everything from a bank and movie theater to a café and pet shop, where kids with special needs learn valuable life skills. I was moved seeing their smiles as they rode bikes, petted animals, or enjoyed a sweet treat. They knew they were in a safe, welcoming space where they were truly understood and celebrated.
Now, after working at Friendship Circle for two months, my love for this place has only deepened. Helping with drop-off for our kids' camp this summer, I was greeted daily with smiles, hugs, and jumps for joy—a constant reminder of why Friendship Circle is so important. It’s a place where friendships blossom, and a community thrives. Through our social programs, kids and adults alike build lifelong friendships. Our vocational and educational programs empower adults to become skilled baristas, cooks, bakers at our Soul Café, and artists at Soul Studio, where they earn commissions on their work.
Friendship Circle is founded on the belief that every person has a soul, and that soul deserves endless, boundless love. And I can tell you, that belief is brought to life every single day.
As a non-profit, Friendship Circle relies on donations to keep these amazing programs running. That’s where Walk4Friendship comes in. Instead of just asking for donations, we host this massive annual fundraiser where you can directly see the impact of your contribution. The funds raised go right back into these programs, bringing smiles and laughter to so many. Please help me support this incredible organization by donating to Walk4Friendship. Every little bit helps make a big difference.
My journey with children with special needs began in middle school, inspired by my mom, who was a cognitively impaired elementary school teacher. I remember taking one of her students, who also attended my school, to art class whenever I could. Back then, I didn’t realize the difference I was making—I just thought of it as hanging out with a buddy. But for him, it was a friendship he could look forward to.
In high school, I joined the SNAPs (Students Need A Pal) program, where I was fortunate to work with students with autism every day for a year. My first real introduction to Friendship Circle was on a field trip with our SNAPs students to Life Town. It's an incredible mock-up village with everything from a bank and movie theater to a café and pet shop, where kids with special needs learn valuable life skills. I was moved seeing their smiles as they rode bikes, petted animals, or enjoyed a sweet treat. They knew they were in a safe, welcoming space where they were truly understood and celebrated.
Now, after working at Friendship Circle for two months, my love for this place has only deepened. Helping with drop-off for our kids' camp this summer, I was greeted daily with smiles, hugs, and jumps for joy—a constant reminder of why Friendship Circle is so important. It’s a place where friendships blossom, and a community thrives. Through our social programs, kids and adults alike build lifelong friendships. Our vocational and educational programs empower adults to become skilled baristas, cooks, bakers at our Soul Café, and artists at Soul Studio, where they earn commissions on their work.
Friendship Circle is founded on the belief that every person has a soul, and that soul deserves endless, boundless love. And I can tell you, that belief is brought to life every single day.
As a non-profit, Friendship Circle relies on donations to keep these amazing programs running. That’s where Walk4Friendship comes in. Instead of just asking for donations, we host this massive annual fundraiser where you can directly see the impact of your contribution. The funds raised go right back into these programs, bringing smiles and laughter to so many. Please help me support this incredible organization by donating to Walk4Friendship. Every little bit helps make a big difference.
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