Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Central Park Challenge is Finally Here!
We are expecting amazing weather and more than 10,000 participants along with our celebrity spokesperson Sherri Shepherd and her friend Xi’Xi. As we gear up for the big day, reach out to everyone you know one last time to ask them to support your efforts with a donation. Go to your participant center now!
View Important Event Information. Here, you will find directions, the event schedule, a map and other important information.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
We Are Everywhere!
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The BIG day is almost here! Can you believe it?!
We are on buses and telephone kiosks. We are in subway cars and print ads. We are on lampposts, the radio and television. And we are on massive highway billboards.
We are everywhere!
Have you spotted one of our ads on a telephone kiosk, subway or bus? We want to know! Email photographs of you with our ads to cpc@yai.org and we’ll feature you right here on our Central Park Challenge blog.
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The BIG day is almost here! Can you believe it?!
Our excitement level has reached new heights. YAI and Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge advertising campaign has taken over New York City - and beyond!
In addition to raising critical funds for the YAI Network’s supportive services offered to individuals with developmental disabilities, the Central Park Challenge is a special event because it also provides unique opportunities to raise public awareness about the thousands of children and adults with disabilities who receive YAI’s services.
We are everywhere!
YAI Network staff, along with our spokesperson Sherri Shepherd, have also spoken on WABC-TV, Q104.3, WFAN, Lite FM, Z100 and Power 105.1. Little Xi’Xi, a YAI preschooler and the face of this year’s Central Park Challenge, was featured on NBC’s Weekend Today Show. Public service announcements featuring Sherri and Xi'Xi have also aired on numerous TV stations, including New York 1 News, MTV, YES, ESPN Classic, TV Land and the Soap Network.
The YAI Network is able to effectively spread the word about the Central Park Challenge as well as about the services that YAI offers through generous media support. Special thanks to Clear Channel Outdoor, Van Wagner, the Daily News and Vector Media, which donated 100% of our advertising opportunities. These partnerships play a critical role in the success of the event and in getting the word out to the public.
Have you spotted one of our ads on a telephone kiosk, subway or bus? We want to know! Email photographs of you with our ads to cpc@yai.org and we’ll feature you right here on our Central Park Challenge blog.
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Getting to Know.... Team Logan's Run
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One of our favorite parts about getting ready for the Central Park Challenge is getting to know YOU – our enthusiastic participants! What motivates you to run? Who inspires you to walk?
We love sharing your stories to the virtual world and creating a community and bond among all of our readers and event participants.
Get to know the Rosen Family, whose team “Logan’s Run” formed in honor of 15-year-old Logan, a recipient of YAI services.
The Rosen Family opens up on their Personal Page about how, in light of recent budget cuts, fundraising is more critical now than ever before. Their story is honest, touching and is sure to inspire you! While you’re visiting their page and reading about Logan, make a donation and help them reach their fundraising goal of $10,000. They’re already more than half way there – WOW! Keep it up, team!
Join the Rosens and team Logan’s Run in spreading the word to all of your friends and family about the Central Park Challenge. Encourage others to register, fundraise or support your efforts. Every dollar raised can and WILL make an impact on the lives of individuals that YAI serves, just like Logan.
Have a story to share? We’re listening. Send us an email at yai@cpc.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
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One of our favorite parts about getting ready for the Central Park Challenge is getting to know YOU – our enthusiastic participants! What motivates you to run? Who inspires you to walk?
We love sharing your stories to the virtual world and creating a community and bond among all of our readers and event participants.
Get to know the Rosen Family, whose team “Logan’s Run” formed in honor of 15-year-old Logan, a recipient of YAI services.
The Rosen Family opens up on their Personal Page about how, in light of recent budget cuts, fundraising is more critical now than ever before. Their story is honest, touching and is sure to inspire you! While you’re visiting their page and reading about Logan, make a donation and help them reach their fundraising goal of $10,000. They’re already more than half way there – WOW! Keep it up, team!
Join the Rosens and team Logan’s Run in spreading the word to all of your friends and family about the Central Park Challenge. Encourage others to register, fundraise or support your efforts. Every dollar raised can and WILL make an impact on the lives of individuals that YAI serves, just like Logan.
Have a story to share? We’re listening. Send us an email at yai@cpc.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Friday, May 27, 2011
The Humphrey Family Shares Their Inspiration
The Central Park Challenge began 26 years ago as a small health and wellness initiative for YAI Network service recipients and staff. Over the years, it has grown into an exciting day in Central Park, welcoming over 12,000 people! Wow – times have changed!
One of the many reasons that this event is so special is because it really did develop as a result of the love and support that family members, friends and YAI Network staff put into it! It is a day to recognize individuals with developmental disabilities and to celebrate the potential within us all.
The Central Park Challenge team has been, and continues to be, inspired by the thousands of heart-warming and uplifting stories that you - our friends, readers and fellow event participants - have shared with us over the years.
The Humphrey family is a terrific example! Bradford, along with parents Connie and Rich, are participating in support of Bradford’s sister Jessica and the residents of her YAI group home in Mamaroneck, Westchester. The Humphrey family is so committed to fundraising as much as possible in support of Jessica, that for every dollar they raise, a matching donation will be made to their team from the Jessica Humphrey Private Family Foundation. Learn more about Jessica and the services that she receives from YAI and support the Humphrey family today!
Have a story to share? We want to hear from you! Tell us why you walk, run, attend and fundraise. Email cpc@yai.org.
One of the many reasons that this event is so special is because it really did develop as a result of the love and support that family members, friends and YAI Network staff put into it! It is a day to recognize individuals with developmental disabilities and to celebrate the potential within us all.
The Central Park Challenge team has been, and continues to be, inspired by the thousands of heart-warming and uplifting stories that you - our friends, readers and fellow event participants - have shared with us over the years.
The Humphrey family is a terrific example! Bradford, along with parents Connie and Rich, are participating in support of Bradford’s sister Jessica and the residents of her YAI group home in Mamaroneck, Westchester. The Humphrey family is so committed to fundraising as much as possible in support of Jessica, that for every dollar they raise, a matching donation will be made to their team from the Jessica Humphrey Private Family Foundation. Learn more about Jessica and the services that she receives from YAI and support the Humphrey family today!
Have a story to share? We want to hear from you! Tell us why you walk, run, attend and fundraise. Email cpc@yai.org.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
First Look! 2011 Central Park Challenge T-shirts!
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We can hardly contain our excitement! The official adult, children's and volunteer T-shirts for the 2011 YAI and Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge have arrived! And you're the first to see them!
Your registration fee includes the adult or children's T-shirt, which can be picked up when you check in at the registration tents on the morning of June 4. And if you need anything on the day of the event, just look for YAI event staff in green.
Special thanks to our friends at Kay Unger New York , especially Liza Nay, for custom designing our three beautiful shirts and to W.B. Mason for printing. It is partnerships like these that make the success of the Central Park Challenge possible!.
We can hardly contain our excitement! The official adult, children's and volunteer T-shirts for the 2011 YAI and Broadview Networks Central Park Challenge have arrived! And you're the first to see them!
Your registration fee includes the adult or children's T-shirt, which can be picked up when you check in at the registration tents on the morning of June 4. And if you need anything on the day of the event, just look for YAI event staff in green.
Special thanks to our friends at Kay Unger New York , especially Liza Nay, for custom designing our three beautiful shirts and to W.B. Mason for printing. It is partnerships like these that make the success of the Central Park Challenge possible!.
Cabaret Success!
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Congratulations to YAI's Employment Initiatives team on the success of their Cabaret Benefit! The entertaining evening of music and comedy raised over $1000 (!!!) for the Central Park Challenge, awareness about the YAI Network's many services and was, of course - FUN!
Special thanks to the Triad Theatre for generously donating the space as well as to the talented singers and comedians who performed. Check out some of the highlights below.... Miz Minelli would be proud!
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Congratulations to YAI's Employment Initiatives team on the success of their Cabaret Benefit! The entertaining evening of music and comedy raised over $1000 (!!!) for the Central Park Challenge, awareness about the YAI Network's many services and was, of course - FUN!
Special thanks to the Triad Theatre for generously donating the space as well as to the talented singers and comedians who performed. Check out some of the highlights below.... Miz Minelli would be proud!
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Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Design Your Own T-shirt Contest!
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That's right, we were so inspired by the teams in past years who have gotten into the spirit and created their own team T-shirts, that this year we've created a contest for it!
- Email photos of your team sporting your custom-designed duds to cpc@yai.org by Friday June 10th at 12-noon.
Simply check back in right here on the blog to vote on the finalists in our live poll. Voting takes place between Friday June 10th - Friday June 17th. In addition to 10 Six Flag passes, the winning team will also have their T-shirt and team story featured right here on the blog and on yai.org.
The Central Park Challenge team has BIG news!
For the first time ever, we're holding a Central Park Challenge Design-Your-Own T-shirt Contest!
That's right, we were so inspired by the teams in past years who have gotten into the spirit and created their own team T-shirts, that this year we've created a contest for it!Grab your friends, family, Central Park Challenge teammates and some blank tees. Then get creative and have some fun! (Check out some photos of past participants who designed their own for inspiration.)
Wear your shirts to the park on June 4th and be entered to win 10 passes to Six Flags Theme Park at a special YAI celebration.
To enter:
- Have your photo taken at the Team Photo Station on the day of the event
OR
- Email photos of your team sporting your custom-designed duds to cpc@yai.org by Friday June 10th at 12-noon.
The Central Park Challenge judging panel will narrow down the contestants and then YOU (!), our faithful friends and readers, will have the final vote.
Simply check back in right here on the blog to vote on the finalists in our live poll. Voting takes place between Friday June 10th - Friday June 17th. In addition to 10 Six Flag passes, the winning team will also have their T-shirt and team story featured right here on the blog and on yai.org.Why are you walking? What motivates you to run? Who inspires you? Your shirt is your canvas - tell us your story!
