The Medtronic Celebration of Courage
Kicks Off with the 2nd Annual Walk-N-Roll
Medtronic is gearing
up for the “2005 Celebration of Courage,” a
major fundraiser for the Courage Center. The Courage Center is Minnesota’s
largest non-profit rehabilitation center for people with disabilities
and offers many programs created to empower them to reach their full
potential in every aspect of life. These programs make a difference
in the lives of over 15,000 children, adults, and seniors every year.
This year’s Celebration will include two events: The Second
Annual Walk-n-Roll and the Courage Center Gala, an event that honors
individuals with disabilities.
Medtronic and its employees
continue to lead in the promotion of disability awareness in the
workplace and the community at large. Last year “Team Medtronic,” which included over 300 employees,
friends and family, raised nearly $40,000 at the Walk-n-Roll. As
a true community effort, this event drew participants of all ages
and abilities together toward a common goal of supporting the Courage
Center. Continuing what was started last year, Medtronic’s
Awareness Benefiting Leadership and Employees about Disabilities
(ABLED) group will help plan, participate in and volunteer at the
event this year. The ABLED group encourages Medtronic’s leadership
and employees to be proactive in learning how people with disabilities
can add value in the workplace and have long-term careers. These
employees are tireless in their effort to increase disability awareness
in the workplace.
The Minnesota Zoo will
be the venue for the 2005 Walk-n-Roll. Walkers and wheelers will
enjoy an accessible course passing the major Zoo exhibits on Saturday,
June 18, from 9:00 to 11:00 am (check-in starts at 8:00 am). To
conclude the event, a special bird show will be presented in the
Minnesota Zoo amphitheater. Participants are encouraged to raise
pledges to support Courage Center programs such as pediatric therapies,
sports and recreation, and the Courage camping program. Family,
friends, community and corporate teams are needed to make these
programs possible. Visit the Courage Center website at www.courage.org and click on “Walk-n-Roll” to learn more about the event
or to join a team.
The Courage Center Gala
will be Saturday, August 27, at Medtronic World Headquarters. This
year’s National Courage Award Winner,
Trisha Meili, will be recognized for her leadership in her profession
and advancement of issues important to people with disabilities.
For years Trisha Meili was known to the world as The Central Park
Jogger. Her amazing story of survival and recovery is detailed in
her best-selling memoir I Am The
Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility. For more info, call Emily Peterson at the Courage
Center at 763-520-0365.
