Walk4Friendship 2026 Returns for Fourth Year, Celebrating Disability Awareness, Inclusion and Communal Unity
Fourth-annual walk to draw over 1,000 attendees from across South Florida, Celebrating individuals with special needs
BOCA RATON, FL – For the fourth Year, Friendship House Boca is again hosting Walk4Friendship, the organization’s flagship community event, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at South County Regional Park. Walk4Friendship has become a cornerstone event in South Florida, bringing together families, volunteers, sponsors, and community members to celebrate inclusion, friendship, and belonging for individuals with special needs. This year’s theme, “As One – One Step. One Heart. One Community,” reflects the powerful message that when we walk together as one, no one walks alone.
“Walk4Friendship has become a true community celebration that breaks down walls of isolation and builds bridges of friendship,” said Rabbi Sholom Kessler, Executive Director of Friendship House Boca. “Last year, over 900 community members joined us, and this year we’re expecting more than 1,000 attendees. This growth reflects our community’s commitment to creating a more inclusive future for people of all abilities.”
Free and open to the public, the Walk4Friendship Boca supports the Friendship House’s programming, which includes weekly social circles, sports activities, holiday events and family workshops. The organization serves over 70 special friends and engages dozens of teenage and community volunteers each year, who gain experience in empathy, leadership, and inclusive community building. This past year, Friendship House hosted its inaugural Tour de Friendship, a 60-mile charity bike ride from Boca Raton to Palm Beach along scenic A1A, successfully raising funds and awareness for children and young adults with special needs in South Florida.
The Walk4Friendship will begin at 10:00am, with check-in, registration, and complimentary t-shirt pickup, followed by an opening ceremony and 1-mile family walk beginning at 11. From 12 to 2pm, families can enjoy the Grand Community Carnival featuring the Aim High Canines Show, a live DJ, axe throwing, rock climbing wall, a petting zoo, Kona Ice Truck, bounce houses, trackless train, pony rides, face painting, caricature artists, bungee trampoline, obstacle course, and food available for purchase.
Registration and Sponsorship Information
Registration is free and can be done online through February 27 at walk4friendshipboca.com. Individuals and families are encouraged to register early to secure their complimentary Walk4Friendship t-shirt. Over $100,000 was raised at the 2025 Walk4Friendship, and this year’s goal has been raised to $150,000. Corporate sponsorships are available, ranging from Bronze Partner ($1,000+) to Title Partner ($36,000+), with benefits including logo placement, recognition in marketing materials, and vendor space at the event.
“This event exemplifies what’s possible when a community comes together,” added Rabbi Kessler. “Our sponsors, volunteers, and participants create an atmosphere where every individual is valued and celebrated. The impact extends far beyond one day—it transforms lives year-round.”
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Location: South County Regional Park – Sunset Cove Amphitheater and Pavilion
Time: 10:00 AM registration; 11:00 AM opening ceremony and walk; 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM carnival
Cost: Free and open to the public (donations accepted)
Parking: Ample parking available at Sunset Cove Pavilion/Amphitheater
Contact: For more information, visit walk4friendshipboca.com or contact Friendship House at (561) 576-1650 or info@bocafriendship.com
Media inquiries: Please contact Jacob Scheer | 201-400-9615 | jacob.scheer@chabad.org
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About Friendship House Boca: Founded in 2020, Friendship House provides social, educational, and recreational experiences for individuals with special needs in Boca Raton, and surrounding communities. Co-directed by Rabbi Sholom Kessler and his wife Itta, the Friendship House was founded on the belief that every person deserves friendship, support, and inclusion, Friendship House creates a seamless circle of connection between special friends, families, volunteers, staff, and supporters. Friendship House draws inspiration from the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, who taught that none of us are complete unless all are included. For more information, visit bocafriendship.com.
Recent outcomes demonstrate the Friendship House’s impact:
100% of participants report feeling more included in the community
100% of parents report Friendship House provides the support they value
81% of parents report reduced stress levels due to their child’s participation
94% of parents and volunteers report improved socialization skills among participants
100% of volunteers report an improved sense of purpose and more inclusive view of others
