– Walkers and joggers of all ages will be trotting in tutus around Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday morning, July 30 to raise awareness and funds for the ALS Association Michigan Chapter. The Inaugural Tutu Trot for ALS is proudly presented by EAU Dance and sponsored by Athletico Physical Therapy, D&W Fresh Market, Lole Atelier, and Pilates in East. All of the proceeds raised from the Tutu Trot will support the services, education and outreach provided by the ALS Association Michigan Chapter.

The Inaugural EAU Dance TUTU TROT is a 4.3 mile brisk walk around Reeds Lake to encourage physical fitness, build community awareness and raise funds for the ALS Association Michigan Chapter. The TUTU TROT welcomes walkers of all ages, strollers, and furry friends. Beginning in Manhattan Park, the TUTU TROT follows the Reeds Lake boardwalk, Waterfront Park trail, and residential sidewalks on Reeds Lake Blvd, Hall Street, Lake Drive, and Lakeside Drive. ALS Association Michigan Chapter CEO, Paula Morning will provide an encouraging message to participants during the pre-event gathering. A live DJ will entertain trotters before and after the walk. Free post-event stretching provided by Athletico Physical Therapy will be available to all participants.

After losing her grandmother to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in July 2015, EAU Dance Director, Emily Underwood was motivated to organize an event that would inspire people of all ages to raise awareness and funds for ALS, while promoting health and wellness within the community. “The family-friendly TUTU TROT captures Grandma Mary’s zest for life and her love of the lakeshore in a way that brings people and families together … in tutus,” says Underwood.

Registration is available online at eaudanceco.com and in-person during Swag Bag Pick-up on Friday, July 29 from 11am- 1pm and 4-7pm at Lole Atelier in Grand Rapids. The Tutu Trot for ALS is $25 for Adults and $12 for Children. Registration includes a tutu, commemorative t-shirt, water/snacks and special offers from sponsors.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord resulting in the loss of muscle control and eventual death. Over 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS in the United States each year and 90% of all cases are sporadic.

The ALS Association is leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. The Michigan Chapter supports people living with ALS and their loved ones through services and education. No stone is unturned in search for the cure of this progressive neurodegenerative disease.

Event info:

  • Saturday, July 30, 2016 – Manhattan Park Pavilion, 430 Manhattan Rd, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  • 7:00am Last Minute Swag Bag Pick-up
  • 7:30am Gathering & Program
  • 8:00am Tutu Trot Start

Learn more about the ALS Association: http://alsa-michigan.org