Sumeet Anand
This month’s Guest Blogger is Sumeet Anand. Sumeet is the Assistant Manager, Agency Advancement and just celebrated his one year anniversary at Mary Cariola. Sumeet is the Event Coordinator for this year’s Walking on Sunshine event. What brought him to the Agency was the mission and the chance to help those who need it most. Outside of work, Sumeet has just one hobby, and that’s playing pickleball!
When I first heard about Walking on Sunshine, I thought it would just be a nice morning walk with families and some activities. What I didn’t expect was the atmosphere. From the minute I arrived, it felt different. There was music, laughter, and this overall feeling that people were happy to be together.
What stood out to me was how much spirit the event has. It’s not just a Walk, it’s a whole community coming together. You see students, residents, families, and staff all in one place, connecting and cheering each other on.
The best part for me was the joy. You could see it on everyone’s faces. Kids running around, staff walking side by side with families, and volunteers making sure people had what they needed. It’s the kind of joy that reminds you why events like this matter.
And it’s fun too. Between the activities, the Zoo Mobile, the games, the raffle, and the music, there really is something for everyone. It feels less like a fundraiser and more like a celebration.
Sumeet and Major Gifts Officer Brad Pearson are —rocking their Walking on Sunshine shirts and rallying support for our largest community fundraiser of the year. Awareness is up, energy is high, and the countdown is ON! See you on September 21.
That’s what Walking on Sunshine is all about. It brings people together and shows what’s possible when a community supports each other. None of it would be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and the dedication of our supporters, and we are so grateful for each and every one of them.
If you’ve never been part of it, I encourage you to experience it for yourself on Sunday, September 21, at Veterans Memorial Park in Penfield.
Register/Donate today at marycariola.org, and while you’re at it, create a team fundraising page and get your circle involved.
