Try Free Life Enrichment Programs at The Bridge’s Community Walk

In a given week, a teen might be able to practice martial arts, cook a from-scratch meal, learn how to finance a car and go see a rock show all for free all at The Bridge Teen Center.

Staff and volunteers at the community center focused on enriching lives, as opposed to just fixing problems after they happen, decided to create samples of their extensive programming and tie it into a fundraising walk.

“The Bridge is for anyone, not just teens and parents who are struggling in some way,” said Bridge Co-founder Priscilla Steinmetz. “We believe in a proactive approach in as many ways as possible.”

On Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon, The Bridge will be holding its first Community Walk starting at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Ave. The 1.5-mile walk will have these stops along the way to try out The Bridge’s programs:

• community art project (representing The Bridge’s Expressive Arts programming)
• community service project to support military families (representing Community Connections programming);
• “Are you smarter than a 7th grader?” challenge (representing Educational Support programming) a post-walk culinary demonstration with Whole Foods Market (representing Mind/Body programming)
• a quick CPR lesson at an Orland Park fire station (representing Everyday Life programming)

Since The Bridge is as much about fun as it is about enrichment, a live performance from X-Factor finalist and Nickelodeon star Rachel Crow will happen after the walk.

Registration is $25, which includes an event tshirt. Participants who raise $100 (which covers a month of programs for four teens) and over in sponsorship funds become eligible for prizes, starting with a $10 Whole Foods gift card to an iPad Mini and a $500 Harry Caray’s gift card for the top fundraiser.

Register online at the Community Walk website.

Read a participant’s thoughts on the event.