4th Annual Walk With Me Albany Providing Family Fun, Recreation, and Fundraising for Easter Seals New York's Disability Services

Saturday, May 19th, 2012, 11:00 AM at Washington Park, Albany, NY

ALBANY, N.Y., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Local residents, companies, organizations and politicians are slated to come together for Easter Seals New York's 4th Annual Walk With Me Albany event at Washington Park. The 2.5 mile family fun walk/run will raise funds for the Easter Seals New York programs for those with disabilities and other special needs at Camp Colonie in Cohoes, New York. Camp Colonie is a seven week-long summer camp that integrates special needs children with typically developing children to provide a positive learning and social experience for all involved.

CVS Caremark is the national premier sponsor, Amway is the national presenting sponsor, Century 21 is the national founding sponsor, and MassMutual is the regional sponsor for Easter Seals New York's Walk With Me Albany event. Additional regional support comes from sponsors such as Wilson Elser, A.C.Moore Arts and Crafts, and Starbucks. In-kind donations of food, water, and other beverages will be provided by Chobani Yogurt, Kohl's, New York State Fraternal Order of Police, Starbucks, Papa John's, and Pepsi.

Each walker will have an opportunity to meet and walk with Easter Seals New York Honorary Ambassadors who are campers at Camp Colonie, as well as Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings who will also be in attendance. Camp Colonie has two program options that work together to help campers reach their highest potential and meet individual goals: a full day recreational camp program and a "School Without Walls" program. "School Without Walls" is the only State Department of Education certified program of its kind in New York, allowing Easter Seals New York to work with area school districts to serve students with disabilities in a camp setting along with their typically developing peers. 

"Easter Seals New York is so grateful to all of our wonderful sponsors, board members, and supporters who have made Camp Colonie possible," commented Richard Lauricella, Chairman of the Capital District Regional Board. "Their generosity has made it possible for children with disabilities or special needs to have a warm, fun, dynamic summer environment to play and learn in!"

Easter Seals New York's mission is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunity to live, learn, work and play in their communities. "Camp Colonie promotes recreation and learning in a nurturing and supportive environment that allows the campers to grow. It is an exceptional summer experience," says John W. McGrath, MPA, Executive Director, Development, Easter Seals New York.

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. For over 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Last year, Easter Seals New York positively impacted the lives of 18,000 individuals throughout New York State.

For more information about Easter Seals New York or Walk With Me Albany, call (518) 456-0828 or visit www.eastersealsny.org.

Contact:
Kevin Mullen
(518) 456-0828
[email protected]

SOURCE Easter Seals New York