On Sunday, May 22 at the Philadelphia Zoo, children who are deaf or hard of hearing listened for the squawks, quacks and trumpets of animals.
More than 500 Clarke students and alums, and their families and friends, participated in Clarke’s Listening Walk at the Zoo to practice the listening skills they are learning as part of their Clarke education.
Designed to be fun and educational for all children, and to draw public attention to the fact that children who are deaf or hard of hearing can listen and talk, the event is part scavenger hunt, part listening exploration and part fundraiser for the nonprofit.
On May 22, Clarke students—and children from the wider community—raised more than $62,000 for Clarke while exploring the zoo.
“After two years of social distancing, this event is a terrific way to get our Clarke community —current students, alums and their friends and families — together again for some fun,” said Ashley Mahlstedt Weaver, director of Clarke Philadelphia. “It’s always rewarding to see our students using their listening and speech skills as they talk and laugh together and enjoy a great day in nature.”
Funds raised benefit Clarke students, including the nearly 200 families served by the Birth to Age Three Program, Preschool Program and Mainstream Services in Philadelphia.
“We are grateful for the support we get from the community,” Mahlstedt Weaver said.
View photos from the event here.
View select media coverage of the event:
