More Discounts at Syms!

Good news! The Syms discounts are back! Thanks to a partnership between Syms, the discount clothing store, and YAI, from June 14-20, you can take 10 percent off your purchase, with 5 percent donated directly back to YAI!

A socially conscious company, Syms in Elmsford, NY, has employed two people with disabilities from YAI's Westchester Supported Work and Training Program for more than two years. When the store's manager approached Marlene Kelly, a YAI Employment Training Specialist, about partnering for a community service shopping event, she immediately thought of the Central Park Challenge. "At the end of the week, Syms will tally all of the sales generated by the YAI coupons and give us five percent back," Marlene explained.

Simply click on the coupon, print it out and take it to your nearest Syms for a great value and an easy way to give back to YAI.

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Record Number of Online Participants!

We don't want to sound like broken records and by now, you all know it's true: Online fundraising is the way to go. That's why we were so excited when we discovered that a whopping 2,048 people have registered online this year for the Central Park Challenge! Last year's total was just 1,729, and we still have four days to go! Thanks to everyone who has:

• registered online
• personalized their pages
• sent e-mails to contacts
• sent reminder and thank-you e-mails to contacts
• publicized the Central Park Challenge via Facebook, Twitter and blogs
• invited your friends and family to join you in Central Park on Saturday, June 6!

Remember: It's not too late to register and send those e-mails! Most people contribute to fundraising events in the last several days before the event.

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Why We're Walking

Today's guest post comes courtesy of all the staff and program participants of YAI/NIPD's Astoria Day Habilitation

This year, our Central Park Challenge team is walking in honor of Boris and Marty, two participants at the Astoria Day Habilitation program who passed away this winter.

Boris (right) was an incredible man. He was a devoted son who
always talked about his mom; he was a loving uncle who enjoyed time with his nieces and nephews. Boris had a sunny personality and could always be counted on to make everyone around him smile.

Marty (left) was also a special guy. He loved to tell jokes and hang out with his friends. He loved to go to Atlantic City with his parents, and spend time with his family.

Both Marty and Boris spent many hours volunteering at job sites; they helped seniors at a local senior center, and worked hard with a variety of local community organizations. They both contributed to the Astoria Day Habilitation, to the local community and to the world around them and are both greatly missed by everyone who knew them. They touched our hearts, and we will always remember them.

Support Team Astoria Has Heart by printing out the coupon and taking it to Uncle Nick's Restaurant on June 6 for a post-CPC dinner! Or click here to support their efforts directly.

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Update Your Facebook Page!

With only nine days until this year's Central Park Challenge, it's more important than ever to let everyone know about your fundraising goal and how their generous donations support the YAI/NIPD Network.


Some of us here at YAI have gotten a great response by updating our Facebook statuses. Just today, a member of our team updated her status and received two donation totaling $150 within a few hours! Here are some messages that you might want to try out:

• I am making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. See how I’m doing by clicking the thermometer on my profile page.
• Help me raise $ (insert amount) more to support the YAI/NIPD Network and people with disabilities. Click the thermometer on my profile page.
• Only nine days to go and I need your help! On June 6, support my efforts in the YAI Central Park Challenge and help people with disabilities in our community. Click the thermometer on my profile page.
• June 6 is this year's YAI Central Park Challenge and I still hope to raise another $ (insert amount)! Help me reach my goal by clicking the thermometer on my profile page.

Thank you again for all of your efforts in this year's Central Park Challenge. Because of your support and hard work, we're 84 percent of the way there! Take advantage of these next nine days to reach your goal and continue supporting the YAI/NIPD Network.


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Sharing the Love on June 6

After you've worked at the YAI/NIPD Network for a few months, you start to realize that the staff here tend to be a bit out of the ordinary. It dawns on you that every day, you come to work with people who are extraordinarily dedicated to people with disabilities, their programs and their colleagues--people who constantly surprise you by their willingness to go above and beyond.

Two such staff members work for YAI programs on Long Island. Mike Wallace has been with the organization for several years and now works for Long Island Project ASSIST, which provides in-home skills training to people with disabilities. Justine Caiaccia is an Applied Behavior Science Specialist at YAI's Centereach and Holbrook residences, where she has worked since September. They are both dedicated to their programs and the people they serve.

They are also dedicated to each other. Mike and Justine will be getting married on June 6.

That's right, June 6. The day of the Central Park Challenge.

When Mike and Justine realized that their big day coincided with YAI's big day, they decided to find a way to combine the two events. So on June 6, instead of handing out wedding favors, Mike and Justine will give their guests a thank-you card, explaining that they are donating $100 to each of their three programs.

"Usually at weddings, you get a tiny little favor that most people probably don't keep. Because Mike and I believe so strongly in the message and mission of YAI, we wanted to share it with our close friends and family so that they know where we're coming from," said Justine. "It's near and dear to our hearts."

Did Mike and Justine just warm your heart? Want to provide more support for their programs? Support Team Holbrook here; Team Centereach here; and Long Island Project ASSIST here.

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A Great Personal Page

By now we all know it: Raising funds through the Central Park Challenge Web site is the fastest and easiest way to go. We love seeing the creative ways that people use to personalize their pages. Recently, Mike's page caught our attention. Mike attends a YAI Day program and will be attending the Central Park Challenge as part of Team WillPower, previous featured in this blog. Mike's enthusiasm is definitely what sets his page apart:

I don't like YAI, I LOVE IT! Yes! At my day program, I get to ride the bus or the subway to go to lots of different nice places to volunteer my time. This makes me super happy! I am super happy about the staff I work with also. They help me to be more independent.

We really couldn't say it any better. When you support the Central Park Challenge, you are helping people like Mike learn to ride public transportation, volunteer in their communities and become more independent. Support Mike's fundraising efforts now!


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Profile in Partnership: Team 187th Street

Thanks to a partnership among staff, residents and family members, YAI/NIPD’s 187^th Street Residence has achieved remarkable success for the Central Park Challenge. Team 187^th Street have already surpassed their original goal of $10,000 and are well on their way to $13,000!

What's the secret? The members of Team 187^th Street are driven by a commitment to Eliza, Mark, Jody and all the other residents. “Our motivation in fundraising this year was to maintain the level of excellence in our services, which are recognized throughout the state,” said Team Captain Vanessa Felix, a direct service professional at the residence.

“I do not mind asking for money if the cause is something I truly believe in and YAI is something we all believe in. E-mailing from our Central Park Challenge participant center has made the whole process of asking for money so much easier!” said Rosalie Hughes, a parent whose daughter Eliza lives in the residence.

Rosalie explained that, even though asking for donations may not be her first inclination, she is motivated to do so because of the role that YAI plays in her family's life. As a child, Eliza attended YAI/NIPD's inclusive summer camp program. Then, when when she turned 21, Eliza began attending YAI/NIPD's Manhattan Day Services. "We were beginning to think about her moving out of our house at some point and we hoped that we would be able to find her placement in a YAI group residence," which turned out to be in an apartment on 187th Street.

And YAI is a family affair for the Hughes family. Eliza's sister Maisie is a member of the Brighter Futures Society, a group of young professionals who support the mission of the YAI/NIPD Network.

Team 187th Street has done a lot of hard work preparing for the Central Park Challenge and they are looking forward to enjoying themselves on the day of the event.

"Each year, our residents anxiously await the Central Park Challenge," said Vanessa. "I love to see the enjoyment on their faces as they walk through the park, waving to friends, family, staff and onlookers. It is a testament of unity. Together, families and staff work together to make a difference in the lives of our residents."

"I love seeing all of Eliza’s YAI family and friends and her biological family and friends gathering to support YAI and to honor Eliza and all the other beloved Elizas of this world," Rosalie said.

Congratulations to Team 187th Street for their tremendous success. Inspired by their story? Support their team!




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What Are You Doing on June 7?

At this point, we are all gearing up for Saturday, June 6 and an amazing day in Central Park. But have you made plans for Sunday, June 7 yet? If you are in need of a post-Central Park Challenge adventure, get ready.

YAI/NIPD's Brooklyn Heights Day Habilitation is organizing a trip to Atlantic City as a Central Park Challenge fundraiser. Don't worry--funds will still count toward this year's event. The day will include stops at outlet malls and Hilton Casino. Interested? Contact Jozette Prescott at 718-855-6240 Ext. 435.

Save Money While You Fundraise

Thanks to a partnership between Syms, the discount clothing store, and YAI, from May 3-9, you can take 10 percent off your purchase, with 5 percent donated directly back to YAI!

A socially conscious company, Syms in Elmsford, NY has employed two people with disabilities from YAI's Westchester Supported Work and Training Program for more than two years. When the store's manager approached Marlene Kelly, a YAI Employment Training Specialist, about partnering for a community service shopping event, she immediately thought of the Central Park Challenge. "At the end of the week, Syms will tally all of the sales generated by the YAI coupons and give us five percent back," Marlene explained.

Simply click on the coupon, print it out and take it to your nearest Syms for a great value and an easy way to give back to YAI.

This is a great example of how an existing community partnership can make for virtually efortless fundraising. Do you have a story like this to share? Shoot us an e-mail at cpc@yai.org.

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Profile in Partnership: Grandma Betty Team

Today's post is an interview with Anna Perales, Team Captain of Grandma Betty Team and the mother of two boys, who believes in making a difference in her community. Thanks to her fundraising efforts and her employer's matching program, Anna has already raised over $1100 for the Central Park Challenge and YAI's Brooklyn Children and Adolescents Program!

Q: What motivates you to support the Central Park Challenge and YAI's Brooklyn Children and Adolescents Program?
A: I feel very strongly about helping out, walking and playing in order to bring hope and help to those who need it. More so in today's difficult times, it is an honor for me and I feel lucky and thankful that I am able to do this. I live in Brooklyn and so I decided that by making the donation locally, it might help potential donors relate better to my requests. Children are always my first priority. We used to live in Belgium and every holiday, my elder son would go to day camp based in the community where we lived, which included all youths from the area, abled and disabled. The groups were divided to include all the children and teach them to work and live and build their projects together.

Q: You have named your team after your grandmother. Tell us about this fantastic lady whom you have chosen to honor.
A: When I first registered for the Walk with my sons, Nicole Sheahan, the CPC Manager, suggested I become a Team Captain. My wonderful beloved Grandma passed away at that time. She was an incredible person and we all miss her very much. I decided to honor this tremendous lady by naming the team after her: The Grandma Betty Team. Some of the donations we have received have been donations honoring her memory.

Q: You have done a really good job leveraging your employer's matching program for employee donations. How did you go about doing this?
A: I just started working for GUARD Insurance Group in January. When I began sending off e-mails for the Central Park Challenge to various colleagues, I was told that there was such a thing as 100 percent matching by GUARD and that the Central Park Challenge fit the profile perfectly for matching. GUARD employees have been and continue to be very generous and the company is involved in many charitable actions. It is nice working for a company that cares so much for its community.

Q: Do you have fundraising tips for others?
A: I have been soliciting donations via e-mail and talking about it to people. I will be out this weekend with the boys going round the neighborhood. Isaac, my eldest, is very excited about it!

Inspired by Anna's story? Support her efforts!

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Proven Strategies to Help You Raise Funds and Awareness

One of the many exciting things about working on an event like the Central Park Challenge, is seeing how creative people are in raising funds and reaching out to their communities. It inspires us that people raise funds through book clubs, knitting, DJ-ing and plain old asking. It just shows that no matter who you are and where your interests lie, you can find a way to leverage your passions and hobbies to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities.

Fortunately, for those of who may not have time to spare, there are easy, fast and proven strategies that can ensure your fund and awareness raising success:

• Send 20 e-mails. If five of those people donate $20 each, you’ll raise $100 right there.

• Personalize your page by editing the text and adding a photo. Did you know that participants who add a story and photo to their personal pages raise as much as 10 times more than those who don’t?

• Recruit friends, family and contacts to participate in the event.

• Brainstorm! Think of ways to use your favorite social networking sites to drive friends to your personal fundraising page. Try our new Facebook application, blog about your participation,"tweet" about it on Twitter, share our video on YouTube, add your fundraising to your LinkedIn profile and more!

Let us know what works for you by posting a comment or e-mailing us at cpc@yai.org!


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Literary League Gets Reading for the CPC

Today's guest post is by Alexandria D'Auria

We formed our book club, The Ladies Literary League, because we all share a deep love of literature--from the classics to contemporary fiction. Each month we meet at a different member’s house and have lively discussions about the books we have read. We indulge in sweet treats, delicious drinks, and lots of fun and laughter. We challenge our minds every month with the literature we read.

Now we are eager to challenge our hearts and bodies as we prepare to Walk and Run for a Day of Hope.

One of our members, who is an employee of YAI, first brought our attention to YAI and Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge. She enlightened us about the “Day of Hope” and the funds and awareness this immeasurable event raises for children and adults with developmental disabilities. This cause is also very close to our hearts because one of our other members has a sister who benefits from the remarkable services of a YAI day habilitation program. We know that she, along with hundreds of other individuals, will gain from our efforts and contributions at the Central Park Challenge.

This is just one amazingly creative way that a family member and a staff member have used to leverage their interests to help people with disabilities. Do you have a story like this one? Let us know by emailing us at cpc@yai.org.


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The Power of One

This week's Central Park Challenge superstar is Julie, who has a disability and lives in a YAI group residence in New Rochelle. Every year, Julie (pictured at left with Papa Baffour-Awuah, a member of our CPC team) raises substantial funds for the Central Park Challenge using old-fashioned grass-roots methods. We spoke to Julie earlier today to find out the secret to her success and what keeps her motivated.

CPC: How much have you raised this year, Julie?
Julie: So far I've raised over $3,000!

CPC: Wow, that's so impressive! How have you managed to do this?
Julie: I go out into the community independently, I talk to people, let them know what YAI is and how it helps people with disabilities. I tell them that the Central Park Challenge raises money. If they say, "no thank you," I just say, "OK, have a nice day." But most people do give me money.

CPC: How long have you been doing this?
Julie: Since either 1987 or 1988, around there.

CPC: Why do you think it's so important to raise funds through the Central Park Challenge?
Julie: I live in a group home, I think it's important to raise money for group homes, to keep them looking good and so that people can have everything they need, if they are high-functioning or if they are low-functioning. We have great staff here, they're always so good to talk to and support me. It's a great place.

CPC: So what do you do when you're not fundraising?
Julie: Well, I don't like watching TV or going to the movies, because I get bored. But I do have a new landscaping job through YAI and I get paid every two weeks, which makes me feel very good. I got laid off of my old job last year, so I like working again!

CPC: What's your favorite thing about the day of the Central Park Challenge?
Julie: I like being in the park -- it's so big and beautiful. I like hearing the band play oldies music and walking around and talking to people. It's a really nice day.

It's amazing that Julie is able to raise so much money all by herself -- simply by asking. Julie is also spreading a message that she believes in to members of her community. We know that not everyone has Julie's stamina, which is why, for most people, fundraising online is the way to go. If you haven't already, set up your personal page today!


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Profile in Partnership

Rick Moldan, a Family Service Specialist, at YAI’s Long Island Project A.S.S.I.S.T., knows all about how creativity and community partnership can raise support for the Central Park Challenge.

Rick’s wife, Marian, belongs to a knitting group at The Knitters’ Knitche in Miller Place. Last month, they coordinated a knit-a-thon that ended up raising $1,500.

Sponsors supported a day of knitting, and one knitter worked with Pfizer, where she works, to match the funds she raised! “The group thought it was great that doing something they loved translated into helping people with disabilities,” said Rick.

“It never hurts to talk to business owners to see if you can come up with an idea like this,” said Darlinda Donlon, owner of the Knitters’ Kniche. “It was so much fun and brought together so many people from different walks of life. Everybody’s gung-ho to do it again next year!”

“The knitters told me that they loved fundraising for people with disabilities,” Rick said. “One woman mentioned to me that next year she will get her bowling league involved as well. It was very gratifying to see an idea, involving people from the community, become reality and mean so much to all those involved.”

Great work, Rick.

If you have a story like this one that you would like to share, shoot us an email at cpc@yai.org!


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Unexpected Central Park Challenge Gift

We always love hearing stories from the amazing staff here at the YAI/NIPD Network. We think they must be the most positive and dedicated group of people in the world, and they are also really creative fundraisers for the Central Park Challenge--probably because they know better than anybody how necessary these funds are for the guys with disabilities who they work with.

Recently, a staffer named Panya Jones in our Belvidere Residence, asked her aunt, Terri, to support this year’s Central Park Challenge. She was pleasantly surprised when her aunt contributed $750, even in this rough economy. Why did Panya reach out to her aunt? Because she understands the importance of the CPC both as a fundraiser and as a community event.

“To see the guys experience New York City and see the joy on their faces when they’re in Central Park is amazing,” said Panya.

Way to go Panya and Aunt Terri! We know there are literally thousands of more stories like this one. Let us know, YAI staff!

If you're interested in the Central Park Challenge, please visit our Official Website for more information. Thank you for reading our blog.