Walk will boost Friendship Circle

West Bloomfield, MI — Danielle Pearlman loves visiting LifeTown.

The 7-year-old especially loves the pet store and the library in the mini-village at the Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to keep her interested and engaged, but coming here is one of the things she really looks forward to,” said Debbie Pearlman, the youngster’s mom and a West Bloomfield resident. “When we get here, her face just lights up and it’s hard to get her to leave.”

The Friendship Circle offers programs to families with youngsters with special needs. Danielle, who has autism, joined the center about three years ago, participating in its activities like summer camps.

Because the Friendship Circle plays such an important part in Danielle’s life, the Pearlmans didn’t hesitate to lend a hand in helping organize its annual 5K Walk 4 Friendship fund-raiser next month and round up a team to raise money for the center.

“The Friendship Circle is such an amazing organization and means so much to our family,” Debbie said. “The love and support they give to all of us, and most importantly, Dani, has made such a difference in our lives.”

This year’s event is set for 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. It begins at the Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Road, and ends at the Friendship Circle campus, 6892 W. Maple Road.

The family-oriented event also includes awards, refreshments, entertainment and an open air market.

There is no entry fee before the event, but participants will pay $20 if they register the same day as the event.

Rivkie Hadar, of the Friendship Circle, hopes to raise $300,000 to support the center’s activities.

“Almost as important is to empower the families and raise awareness of the Friendship Circle,” Hadar said. “It’s a wonderful program that helps many people.”

Organizers are also currently looking for corporate sponsors and volunteers, including setup and registration. Non-walkers can also make donations on the event Web site.

For more information, call (248) 788-7878 or log onto www.walk4friendship.com.