Why Walk?
On February 12, 2010, it was 6 years since Jeff passed. We started this walk to honor Jeff’s memory through raising awareness of the symptoms of meningitis, as well as awareness of the vaccines that are available to help prevent others from contracting this disease.
We are proud to say that we are reaching our goal of raising funds to increase prevention awareness and to help those afflicted with permanent disabilities from this disease.
With your help, we hope to continue to do our part to fight against this disease so that no one else will have to suffer the way Jeff did.
Learn more about how you can make a donation here.
First Annual Jeff Burd Meningitis Walk, April 2007
We managed to plan and coordinate the first walk in just a few months, thanks to the help and encouragement of our close friends and family. We were thrilled at the turnout that first year—over 300 people raising over $17,000. The majority of these funds were donated to the National Meningitis Association and the Meningitis Angels.
Second Annual Jeff Burd Meningitis Walk, April 2008
Just as successful as the first, even though the weather was a bit chilly and windy. Again, we enlisted the help of many friends and family and raised over $18,00. We were again proud to donate the majority of these funds to the National Meningitis Association and to Meningitis Angels.
Third Annual Jeff Burd Meningitis Walk, April 2009.
Sunshine and warm “summerlike” temperatures prevailed. Again, with the help of many friends and family, it was a great success. We estimate that we had about 150 walkers, and we raised in excess of $15,000. The majority of the funds raised were donated to the National Meningitis Association and Meningitis Angels to help them continue their important work.
We added some new events to our walk, including musical entertainment provided by Davis Concert Staging, Inc.; free massages provided by Rizzieri Salon; a hockey “shoot out” provided by Steve and Matthew Richardson; and a gift basket raffle.
Third Annual Jeff Burd Meningitis Walk, April 2010.
The weather was beautiful. We continued to have the support and help of many friends and family, and corporate sponsorships by Virtual and Wal-Mart, and we raised in excess of $17,000. We again donated the proceeds to the National Meningitis Association and Meningitis Angels.
We were honored to have meningitis survivor, Mike Laforgia, join us and share his story. The band Rendezvous entertained everyone. The Pilates Core Center sponsored a Plank-Off and donated the proceeds to our cause. Rizzieri Salon and Spa provided wonderful, relaxing massages. Our basket raffle was a huge success, with awesome Flyers and Phillies memorabilia, Phillies tickets, and other great prizes. Caitlin Scott Photography donated their services, and took many pictures.
Fifth Annual Jeff Burd Meningitis Walk, April 2011.
The weather was not great, but the turnout was. This was an extra special day, because it was Jeff’s 24th birthday. With the continued support of many people, as well as corporate sponsorships by Virtua and Wal-Mart, we raised in excess of $17,000. As in past years, proceeds were donated to the National Meningitis Association and to Meningitis Angels.
Our guests of honor this year were Lynn and Alan Bozof. Lynn is the President of the National Meningitis Association. She and her husband Alan, lost their son, Evan, to this devastating disease in 1998. Lynn is one of the founding members of NMA, and is dedicated to educating families, medical professionals and others about bacterial meningitis.
Sixth Annual Jeff Burd Meningitis Walk, April 2011.
Freedom Park in Medford, New Jersey.
We were unable to organize a 2012 walk. If you are interested in future walks, and/or volunteering to help organize them, please contact us.