Come Walk (the Plank) with Easter Seals New York!

Saturday, September 24th, 2011, 10 a.m. Registration, 11:30 a.m. Walk Start. Jones Beach, Field 2, Wantagh, New York

WANTAGH, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Easter Seals New York's Walk With Me Long Island will raise funds for the organization's vital programs and services for children and adults with disabilities and special needs.  Hundreds of walkers will join Easter Seals New York on the 2.5 mile route along the beautiful coast of Jones Beach State Park. For the first time Easter Seals will be hosting a treasure hunt. Inspired by the pirate history of the Long Island coast, the hunt promises to be immensely popular among the younger walk participants, making Walk With Me Long Island a great event for all ages.

"Walk With Me is our signature event for a reason," comments John W. McGrath, Executive Director of Advancement for Easter Seals New York. "What better way to support one another and individuals with disabilities and special needs than by bringing together members of the Easter Seals New York community from board members, to volunteers, to ambassadors in a beautiful setting."  

Proceeds from Walk With Me Long Island will go directly towards programs in New York, such as the renowned quadriplegic rugby team The New York Warriors. Ranked 15th in North America in 2010, the Warriors are not only a highly competitive and successful group of athletes, but inspirational leaders in their communities, leading workshops and scrimmages to raise disability awareness.  

"We've received incredible support from the community and our sponsors and we are so grateful for their generosity," says Mark Legaspi, Chairman of Easter Seals New York's Long Island Regional Board. "We are honored and grateful to have so many dedicated friends, and it is a testament to the quality of our programs and the work we do."

Walk With Me is Easter Seals' signature fundraising event, and is sponsored by National Premier Sponsor, CVS Caremark; National Presenting Sponsor, Amway; National Founding Sponsor, Century 21, and Regional Sponsor, MassMutual. In-kind donations of food, assorted beverages, and entertainment are generously provided by J&B Restaurant Partners, Nathan's Famous, Starbucks, Pepsi, and Soulful Sounds, with special thanks to Friendly's.

Easter Seals is the leading not-for-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, 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.  Easter Seals New York services include, but are not limited to: early intervention, camping and recreation, special education, residential, senior employment, family services and school-based disability awareness.

For more information about Easter Seals New York or Walk With Me Long Island, call (212) 220-2290 or visit www.eastersealsny.org.

Contact:
Nora Liebman
(503) 708-3742
[email protected]

SOURCE Easter Seals New York