Next Saturday, LIFE of Mississippi, an organization dedicated to people with disabilities, will gather at the Mississippi River for an event at the U.S. 80 bridge.

Bridging the Gap, set for 9 a.m., is a noncompetitive fundraising walk for people of all abilities. It is in its first year.

If you go

Bridging the Gap, a fundraiser walk for LIFE Mississippi, will be at 9 a.m. next Saturday at the U.S. 80 bridge. To register in advance, call Robert Donerson at 601-969-4009. Registration will also be conducted at 7:30 a.m. the day of the event. The minimum registration fee is $25, and the fee for a group of five or more is $20 each.

LIFE, which stands for Living Independence for Everyone, is a nonprofit organization that ensures businesses across the state are accessible to the handicapped, students are educated about disabilities and peer support and counseling are available.

“LIFE serves any age and any disability,” said Augusta Smith, assistant director of LIFE “We are all very passionate about people with disabilities. We pair people up with help. People think that their life stops, but it doesn’t. Life goes on. And it’s important to remember that everybody has a disability.”

Approval must be gained to have an event on the 78-year-old U.S. 80 bridge, which was closed to traffic in the 1970s. The LIFE walk was OK’d by Herman Smith, bridge superintendent. A regular happening at the bridge is Over the River Run, an annual Mississippi Track Club event held earlier this month.

Bridging the Gap will raise funds for a LIFE program called HOT, Healthy Opportunities of Transition. Proceeds will go toward a HOT retreat for children, to be held in April.

Bridging the Gap participants will receive one-year membership to LIFE The individual who raises the most money will receive a trophy, a $300 VISA card and a lifetime membership to LIFE Door prizes and refreshments will be provided.

To register for the walk in advance, call Robert Donerson at 601-969-4009. Registration will also be available the day of the event, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the bridge. The minimum registration fee for the event is $25; the fee for groups of five or more is $20 each.

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Contact Elizabeth Jones at ejones@vicksburgpost.com.