It was a great day for a hike and picnic with Danville's local hero and his wife.

The gathering Saturday morning at Oak Hill Park was sponsored by Lorrie Sullenberger and her husband, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger to raise funds for Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, through social activities and job placements.

The hike and picnic also was a precursor to a Sept. 11 bicycle ride at San Simeon with California First Lady Maria Shriver that also will raise money for Best Buddies.

Advocating for people with disabilities is a cause Lorrie Sullenberger has been involved in for years. The Danville resident says it's important to help people not feel isolated by their disability.

"They have as much to give as anybody else," said Sullenberger.  "Maria always says everyone knows how it feels to be left out. That has always resonated with me."

On Saturday, the Sullenbergers led several dozen participants on a one-mile hike through the hills behind Oak Hill Park. At the end, they paused at the veterans memorial on the park's southern edge. Afterward, they held a picnic under the shade of the park's trees.

One of the participants was state Assemblyman Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch). He will be riding the 62-mile course at San Simeon in September.  He said Best Buddies performs a vital function by helping people with disabilities land jobs and connect with mentors.

"It's important to provide disabled people with opportunities after they leave high school," said Torlakson, who is one of two candidates on the November ballot for state schools superintendent.

Leslie Bradley drove up with her husband, Jack, from Orange County to participate. They joined their daughter, Barbie Young of Livermore, and her family at the hike and picnic. Bradley is doing the Sept. 11 bike ride and thought Saturday's event was a good way to show support for Best Buddies' job placement program.

"It gives people with disabilities so much self-confidence," she said.

Denise Bondy drove over from San Anselmo to be part of the event. She has worked and volunteered in organizations for the disabled since 1967, saying "this is the next wave of personal rights."

Sullenberger said she and her husband have received a lot of requests to participate in events since he safely landed a passenger jetliner in the Hudson River in January 2009.