From left, Courtney Smith, Reagan Thomson and Jordan Smith of Bedminster and Jamie Moschetto of Peapack in the gym with adult patient Rasheedah Mahali.
“I’ve been there in years past when it was rainy, and there’s almost a camaraderie in being able to brave those elements.” That comment by WCBS-TV news anchor Don Dahler on his Saturday morning newscast the day before Miles for Matheny would prove to be prophetic. It did rain on Sunday, April 22, but, as Bedminster, NJ, resident Trish Mannion pointed out, “The whole community came out and supported this wonderful cause. Thank you for letting our family be part of such a wonderful day!”
And thanks to Peapack-Gladstone for inviting Matheny to use the gymnasium in the municipal building as a gathering place for all the wheelchair participants, who, otherwise, would have had to be outside. In fact, there was a party atmosphere in the gym as volunteers, Matheny staff members and families joined the Matheny students and patients to wait for the start of the Lu Huggins Wheelchair Walk.
