West End Walk - 2020
On June 30th, over 75+ kids from the West End Center's summer program walked the one mile route from the Center to the historic Grandin Theatre for the fifth consecutive year. As part of the 5th annual program created by the Grandin Theatre Foundation and the West End Center, kids participated in physical activity involved with walking to the venue, combined with the arts and cultural educational experience of viewing a film upon their arrival.
Kids walked to the Theatre in small groups of 10 to enjoy the film, and be spaced out over times so that each group will have the full experience of the walk coupled with film and concessions enjoyment. Kids had a no-touch concessions experience and practice social distancing seating.
“Our continued goal as a cultural community center is to ensure that this remarkable program in its 5th year continues to provide the ability for our community’s kids to use this historic facility for entertainment, education, experience, and hopefully inspiration,” said Grandin Theatre Foundation Executive Director Ian Fortier. “We are excited about giving kids this opportunity for health and art while still adhering to mandated safety practices.”
“We are thrilled to continue this beloved tradition that blends wellness and cultural arts, both of which are major facets of our holistic approach to enrichment,” said West End Center Executive Director Amanda Nastiuk. “Our children look forward to the WEST END WALK program all year and we are excited to be able to maintain a bit of familiarity in spite of the many changes they’ve endured.”
The program had a total of four dates throughout the summer – June 30, July 14, July 28, and August 4. A couple of rain dates were secured in case weather prevents a specific walk on a scheduled day.
The WEST END WALK program has multiple sponsors ensuring this program is a success, including: Freedom First Credit Union (Title Sponsor), Run About Sports (health and wellness sponsor), Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op (Healthy Snack Sponsor), and Press Press Merch (t-shirt sponsor).
