On October 8, 2022, the KIWIN’S club attended the “WALK-N-ROLL,” an event sponsored by the Spina Bifida Association (SBA). The event took place at TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa, California, and was created to fundraise and bring attention to the condition. 

Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine at birth. It is usually scanned for before birth, but it can be detected later on in life. Approximately 166,000 Americans live with the condition.

Segerstrom KIWIN’S volunteers started the day off by setting up tables and booths to support the SBA organization. As the guests started arriving, KIWIN’S members greeted the participants and made them feel welcome before they started the one-mile walk. 

At around 10:00 AM, the guests began the walk and volunteers moved on to their next job, which was to provide participants with food and water to power through the walk.  Event competitors walked a loop around the park once to complete the course. KIWIN’S members were there to greet and cheer on the guests as they finished the walk. 

After the run finished, volunteers handed out snacks and interacted with participants that were enjoying their time at the park. There were many other fun activities and entertainment provided by SBA. Event attendees could play corn hole, a DJ boomed fun music to build the atmosphere, and food was also provided. 

“I liked that I got to meet new people from KIWIN’S and bonded with them. It was great knowing that I was helping a cause for those in need. I was able to enjoy volunteering while getting to know my fellow KIWIN’S members,” said Travis Nguyen (12). 

There were 248 participants who complete the walk at the event. The fundraiser goal was $50,000. With KIWIN’S help, they were able to raise $19,429. The donation cutoff date is January 1st, 2023 and donations can still be made online through the SBA website here.