Great Savings and Great Fundraising with Macy's!

Rockland County Association for Learning Disabilities, a member of the YAI Network, is organizing a fantastic and unique fundraising and money saving event! When you buy a $5 ticket, you are entitled to store-wide savings at any Macy's location all day on Sat., Oct. 17, 2009! See the flier at right for details. What a great way to get an early start on the 2010 Central Park Challenge.

This is another great example of fundraising throughout the community!

Do you have creative fundraising ideas that you would like to share on the Central Park Challenge blog? Give us a shout at cpc@yai.org.

A Lasting Impact

One of the nicest things about the Central Park Challenge is that it doesn’t end on the day of the event. Like so many of the YAI Network services the CPC supports, the impact of so many people coming together to provide hope and opportunity is much greater.

Take, for example, the story of James (at left), who has developmental delays and graduated two years ago from the YAI/New York League for Early Learning (NYL) William O’Connor School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. After receiving outstanding preschool services at the William O’Connor School, James moved on to kindergarten and did so well that this year he began first grade in an integrated special needs class in a local public school.

“We are so thankful for everything the teachers at William O’Connor did for James,” said his mother, Eileen. “They got him walking and talking, and really brought out his personality. They just let him grow.”

Since James graduated from NYL, Eileen has sent updates on his progress to the staff, and their family has remained part of the William O’Connor community.

When an opportunity recently arose at Eileen’s office to raise money for an organization of her choice, the proud mom didn’t have to think twice about it. Through an office “Jeans Day,” during which employees can wear jeans to work if they contribute a donation to a designated organization, she raised $521 for YAI’s 2010 Central Park Challenge.

“NYL gave James a really great start,” said Eileen. “The school has done so much for us and for so many other families that I wanted to use this opportunity to give something back.”

James with Mrs. Ramirez, his kindergarten teacher.

James enjoys a sunny day with Eileen, his mom.

The Central Park Challenge isn't for another eight months, but you can get involved now! Learn how.

My First Central Park Challenge

Today's guest post and photos are by Ismael Nunez, a freelance journalist who attends YAI's Manhattan Employment Services. The 2009 Central Park Challenge was Ismael's first.

Everyone had to get up early. Most arrived at as early as 6 a.m.! Believe it or not on a Saturday! Then again it was at Central Park in Manhattan, the weather was nice and it was a perfect place to be find peace/love!

Clare Bonafede, Principal of the William O'Connor School, and one of the group leaders of the "Bay Ridge Woc ers" said it best: "This is the United Nations! Everyone is at peace, people from all nationalities, everyone having fun!"

A member of Team Broadview, the Central Park Challenge's co-sponsor, added: "We all had to arrive so early before the sun, but we didn't care because it was for a good cause. Every year it's something we look forward to!"

I noticed that YAI staff seemed to be having just as much fun as the children and other participants! No fights, no complaints!

Kathy, a staff member who I know from YAI Manhattan Employment Services told me, "What we see here shows that we are doing a good job!"

Several celebrities attended the event, among them "Eyewitness News" anchor Bill Ritter and Miss USA Kristen Dalton!

The band, Dr. K's Motown Revue, played mainly dance music for everyone to boogie!

One of my favorite things was watching the children's races. There was no winner or loser--each kid won something. I also saw so much diversity and I believe that politicians and many other people could learn a lot from the Central Park Challenge.

From left to right, Donna, Abunidal and Juan, who attend the same Employment program as me.

The cousins Rivera stand proud after winning medals in the Jr. All-American Races. Everyone was a winner!

Cheer New York were very encouraging and had a great time. They were really nice to everyone.

The marathoners of tomorrow lead the Jr. All-American Races at the CPC.

Dr. K's Motown Revue get better and better every year. We always look forward to seeing them!

Thousands of people were well prepared to walk!

Here, we see Miss USA holding Siobhan, the little girl who represented the 2009 CPC.

One of our main spokespeople, Channel 7 News Anchor Bill Ritter!

The Central Park Challenge's 2008 and 2009 Co-Sponsor has been Broadview Networks.

They may not be the Brooklyn Dodgers, but the Bay Ridge WOC ers have just as much spirit!

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Announcing Raffle Winners!

Congratulations to our lucky raffle winners and a big thanks to our generous sponsors and dedicated ticket sellers! If you see your name below, contact Karen Bardavid at 212-273-6256 or karen.bardavid.yai.org to claim your prize.


Grand Prize Winner: Jean Friedman
Two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of JetBlue. Raffle ticket sold by Susan Silfen.

First Prize Winner: Olivia Rhodes
Health and Beauty Package

Second Prize Winner: Sandra D. Clarke
Large screen plasma television. Raffle ticket sold by Courtney Dill.

Third Prize Winner: Wilson Satamania
Night on the Town Package. Raffle ticket sold by Isabel Guerra.

Fourth Prize Winner: Rena Anderson
Coach Handbag. Raffle ticket sold by Kelly Grahm.


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We Made Goal!!!

Thanks to YOU and YOUR EFFORTS, we have reached and exceed our fundraising goal of $1,400,001! So far, we are up to an amazing $1,406,666.13! And the books don't even close until July 31! We are so grateful for everything our supporters have done to ensure that people with disabilities in your community continue to receive the services they need to live full and productive lives. And we are so proud to have been a part of such an inclusive event, one that brought together community members, families, people with disabilities, YAI staff, corporate partners and passersby. We hope all of you are as inspired as all of us.



If you have inspiring stories about your day in Central Park, leave a comment or email us at cpc@yai.org!

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THANK YOU!!!

Thanks to everyone who joined us in the park on Saturday for what was surely the best Central Park Challenge ever! Thanks to your spirit and energy (and Mother Nature's cooperation), more people than ever before came out to walk, run and play in celebration of everyone's abilities. We couldn't have done it without all of you and we can't say it enough: Thank you!

Check back tomorrow for a full recap from our guest blogger Ismael Nunez, a freelance journalist who receives services from YAI's Manhattan Employment Services.

Remember: You can still contribute funds to the Central Park Challenge through July 31!

Please click here to see photos from the 2009 Central Park Challenge!


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It's Finally Here!

It’s here! Are you ready to walk, run and play at the YAI and Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge?

Tomorrow, thousands of community members, families, people with disabilities, staff members and friends will gather in Central Park to celebrate the abilities of all people. The weather forecast for Saturday morning is great, but the Central Park Challenge is a rain or shine event, so be prepared to have fun regardless of what Mother Nature has in store!

Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this festive day:

• Plan your trip to the park today!
  
• Let’s fill Central Park with YAI spirit! Even if you’re not planning to walk or run, your presence is essential for drawing public attention to the Central Park Challenge and raising awareness about the abilities of people with disabilities and the important work you do! So bring your family and friends to Central Park on Saturday to demonstrate your support!
• Bring the children in your life to the Play Area and the Jr. All-American Races.
• Remember that funds for the 2009 Central Park Challenge will be accepted through July 31. You can get involved even after the event by visiting the Website, e-mailing cpc@yai.org or calling 1-877-YAI-WALK.
• Be sure to have someone from your team pick up your team's sign next to the registration area. Also don't forget to visit our first ever Team Photo Station at the end of the Walk to have your team photo taken and to drop off your team sign!

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the CPC! Thanks to you, we already know that it’s going to be our best ever day in Central Park!

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23 Hours Left to Register for the 5K Run!

Attention runners! If you are planning to participate in the 5K race at the Central Park Challenge, don't wait another minute to register online. Pre-registration closes at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 5! If you don't make the deadline, don't despair: You can still register at Central Park on Saturday. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and the race will begin promptly at 9.

Happy running!

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