Way to Go: Emily Blumberg, East Williston

An East Williston student served as captain of a team that raised the most funds among those participating in a September charity walk to benefit the AHRC Foundation.

Emily Blumberg, an eighth-grader at The Wheatley School in Old Westbury, led a 45-person team of family and friends that raised more than $10,000 as part of the 2015 AHRC Walk at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. The "Noah's Smiles" team was named after her 10-year-old brother, who has autism and attends Brookville Center for Children's Services.

The 3-mile walk on Sept. 13 attracted more than 1,000 participants, Blumberg said. Overall, it brought in $75,000 for the foundation, which raises funds to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"I'm glad we were able to raise so much," said Blumberg, 13. "Since my brother has autism, it's something that's very important to me."

In her effort, Blumberg drafted and mailed a letter to family and friends explaining that she was coordinating the team as part of a project for her bat mitzvah, which was held on Oct. 17. Her initial fundraising goal was $3,000.

Blumberg is a member of her school's Italian Club and Intercultural Unity Club.