Easter Seals New York Hosts Its Largest Ever "Walk With Me" Fundraiser

NEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Easter Seals New York's signature fundraiser, "Walk With Me New York," was held on August 3^rd, when more than 1,000 people gathered in Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx to raise over $350,000 in support of people living with disabilities and their families. This was the first time that Easter Seals New York combined its regional walks, making the 2012 Walk With Me event the biggest in the affiliate's 90-year history.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110401/MM76153LOGO)

Highlights of the day included a photo opportunity with Miss America 2012, Laura Kaeppeler, and a ticket incentive for walkers to see the New York Yankees take on the Seattle Mariners after the event. Easter Seals New York, along with some of its supporters and ambassadors, was also honored that day by the Yankees during a pre-game ceremony on the field at Yankee Stadium.

"Even the day's 100-degree heat couldn't discourage our amazing volunteers and supporters from coming out to show their commitment," said John McGrath, Executive Director of Advancement for the non-profit. "We are so grateful to them and we cannot thank the Yankees enough for their dedication to the disabled community."

Easter Seals is a national non-profit organization that provides essential services to children and adults living with a variety of disabilities and special needs. In New York, these programs positively impact the lives of more than 18,000 individuals who participate in early intervention, special education, rehabilitation, and senior employment programs.

As in previous years, Amway and Britt World Wide were among the largest supporters of Walk With Me New York.  "It was wonderful to see so many Independent Business Owners representing Britt World Wide and Amway at this event," said Walk With Me co-chairman Neil Gala. "It was a clear success for the programs and families that Easter Seals New York supports, and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful relationship."

The day featured music donated by Soulful Sounds and product support provided by Amway, X-S Energy, Britt World Wide, Pepsi, MassMutual, and CVS. After they completed the Walk, hungry fundraisers were greeted by pizza that had been donated by local pizzerias. Easter Seals New York also gratefully acknowledged the support of We Live to Give, The New York State Fraternal Order of Police, the YES Network, Katzman Berry Corporation & S. Katzman Produce, Legaspi Associates, Starbucks, V-Bites, Hunts Point Produce Market, Entergy, Wish You Were Here Productions, App2Mobile.com, Creative Advantages, Wilson Elser, Tiki Action Park, ArisPavlides.com, and Friendly's.

For more information about Walk With Me New York, please visit www.walkwithme.org/newyork or contact Hayrim Byun at 212-220-2290 or [email protected]

About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the nation's leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental, physical, and mental disabilities, and other special needs. Easter Seals New York provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. For more than 90 years, Easter Seals New York has been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them.  For more information, please visit www.eastersealsny.org.

Contact: Hayrim Byun
Easter Seals New York
212-220-2290

SOURCE Easter Seals New York