Sep. 15, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Walkers from across southern New England are invited to step forward on October 4, 2009 at 11a.m. on behalf of Hasbro Children's Hospital at the inaugural "The Walk: Hasbro Children's Hospital." Patients, families, hospital staff and the public are invited to team up to raise money to support patient care and cutting-edge pediatric research in this festive fall fundraiser. Grand Marshall Mayor David N. Cicilline will issue an official walk proclamation, Weatherman Mark Searles from Channel 10 WJAR TV, Providence will be the Master of Ceremonies, music and fun will be dished out by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, the Big Nazo puppets will help cut the ribbon and lead The Walk, the first official 2010 TRANSFORMERS Special Edition Chevy Camaro (a.k.a. BUMBLEBEE) will set the walk pace, and Providence Bruins Mascot Samboni and Miss Rhode Island Julianna Strout will greet the public. Free refreshments will be provided by Pinelli Marra, Whole Foods, and Panera Bread.

Walkers and their teams from all over Rhode Island and southeastern New England will be able to choose two-mile or five-mile strolls along the scenic and pedestrian-friendly paths by the rivers in historic downtown Providence. While the walkers share a common goal -- enhancing Hasbro Children's Hospital's care for kids -- many will have personal reasons for their involvement.

Timothy J. Babineau, M.D., Rhode Island Hospital's president and chief executive officer, says, "We decided to start this walk in addition to our very successful annual gala. This event will allow members of our community, who prefer to support a different type of activity, to help the young patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital. It's easy for anyone to get involved and be a part of The Walk."

Hasbro Children's Hospital's pediatrician-in-chief, Robert Klein, M.D., comments, "We have touched many lives over the past 15 years and we are looking forward to seeing the children and their families at The Walk, which supports our mission of providing family-centered care, close to home."

Walkers at the October 4, 2009 event will help support a world-class medical facility. Hasbro Children's Hospital is dedicated to the care of children and adolescents, regardless of their families' ability to pay. The Walk will bring help, hope, and healing to children for generations to come.

Community members from across Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut are invited to be part of The Walk. Participants can make a gift, be a team leader, join a team and fundraise, or volunteer their time at The Walk. The walk is on October 4 at 11a.m. with registration from 9-11a.m.