13,000 take part in 36th annual Briggs and Al's Run and Walk

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The 36th annual Briggs and Al's Run and Walk benefiting Children's Hospital of Wisconsin took place in Milwaukee on Saturday morning, September 14th.

Over 13,000 people took part in the event to support the efforts of Children's Hospital.

"This is just amazing -- amazing to see the turn out and the wonderful support for Children's Hospital," said President and CEO of Children's Hospital Peggy Troy.

Several teams took part in the race, including the 300-member "Team Briggs."

"At the end of the day, it's not just putting our name on this. It's putting our time, talents, treasures behind it as well," said Briggs & Stratton President and CEO Todd Teske.

The 129-member group "Rally for Aly" is named in honor of Lynn Pape's daughter and Steve Pape's sister, Alyssa, who died in 2005 due to a connective tissue disorder. The team has participated in the run-walk for the past nine years.

"We're here because of Alyssa's spirit. She inspired us, as a family, to continue and our story inspires people," said Lynn.

"We started a $9,000 fundraising goal this year -- we surpassed $13,000. We're very pleased with that and in our nine years we've actually raised over $55,000 for Children's Hospital," explained Steve.

Organizers say the event will raise over $1 million this year alone. The Briggs and Al's Run and Walk has raised more than $14 million during the past 36 years.