Inside and In Depth: 2012 CHOC Walk in the Park

On October 14th, thousands of supporters of the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) took to the streets of Disneyland Resort for the 22nd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park.

This morning's opening ceremony was at 6:30am on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure. Mickey Mouse and the gang helped commemorate the Walk with Disney Channel's Caroline Sunshine, Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis, and CHOC Children’s President/CEO Kim Cripe.

At the end of the 5K Walk, the celebration continued in the Downtown Disney where event sponsors, hospital support groups, shops and restaurants had special offers for all Walk participants.

This year, a record breaking group of over 18,000 participants raised over $1.8 million to support the care, services, education and research that CHOC provides children.



Full pictorial below!

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Walt and Mickey were front and center for the opening ceremony.







Everybody smile, this is going on Youtube!




Disney Channel's Caroline Sunshine returned this year after making an appearance in last year's opening ceremony.




As with last year, she stopped to take a picture with the crowds.




This year's Ambassador family.




Quick exercises to get crowds warmed up.




Renee Torrico and Jolie Hales, the current Disneyland Resort Ambassadors took to the CHOC stage for the final time as Ambassadors.




Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis took to the stage to talk about the Resort's involvement with CHOC.




CHOC Chidlren's President/CEO Kim Cripe thanked George and the Disneyland Resort for their efforts and contribution of $5 million.




The CHOC Walk in the Park helped raise more than $1.8 million this year.




In typical Disney fashion, there has to be pyro!




And the Walk begins!




Two separate corrals were formed on Buena Vista street, alternating one after the other to cycle through all the event walkers.




Mickey and Minnie cheering on the walkers.




Pyro is not enough so streamers were shot at the starting gate.




The recently appointed Disneyland Resort Ambassadors Megan Navarette and Sachico White pose for a photo with "Shake It Up" star Caroline Sunshine.




Current Disneyland Resort Ambassadors Jolie and Renee join the group shot.




Kim Cripe and George Kalogridis.




For the first time in its 22 year history, the CHOC Walk in the Park event began at Disney Californai Adventure.

Continue to Page 2!