News
January 30, 2019#518gives Fundraiser Sets Record
The #518gives Fundraiser to benefit the Center for Disability Services set an all-time record with a final tote of $2,301,993. By attending the community event, watching it on WXXA/FOX23 or the web, making donations, hundreds of people improved tomorrow and had a positive impact today on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. All proceeds benefit the Center for Disability Services and its divisions, Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, Life Quality Solutions Incubator, Prospect Center in Queensbury and St. Margaret’s Center in Albany.
New York Giants’ wide receiver Sterling Shepard and New York Yankees’ pitcher Chad Green greeted lines of fans and signed autographs in the sports area, presented by UHY LLC, at the Red Lion Hotel in Albany. Country and pop singer Billy Gilman gave special performances and vocalists, dance troupes and other acts from all over the region entertained. Last year’s final tote was $2,282,317.
Child representative HaNani Hines, a one and a half year old resident of St. Margaret’s Center, receives a full range of services including respiratory, occupational, physical and speech therapy, nursing and recreational activities. Known for his “grumpy face,” he likes music and dancing. Adult representative Elizabeth Phelan lives in a Niskayuna residence operated by the Center and is a graduate of the Center’s Langan School. She participates in the State Street day habilitation program and adult program at Smith Center and is known for her humor and beautiful smile. Inspirational stories spotlighted Moses Hinman, a 5 year old kindergarten student at the Langan School at Prospect Center who is known for his sweet disposition. He lives with his parents and siblings in Mechanicville and uses an activity chair and gait belt. Beatrix Hinman, Moses’ older sister, is an 8 year old student in second grade at the Langan School at Prospect Center and is known for running and giggling. Damia Regis is a 7 year old resident of St. Margaret’s Center who attends the Langan School and uses a respiratory ventilator, iPad with touch chat, walking equipment and adapted tricycle. She is known for navigating her environment and being as independent as possible. Damya Regis is Damia’s twin and she also lives at St. Margaret’s and attends the Langan School. She has learned modified sign language to answer simple questions and is able to identify many letters and numbers up to 10.
“In 2019, we are focusing on improving tomorrow and having a positive impact today on families and on the lives of people with disabilities which the Center supports through its programs and services,” said Anne Schneider Costigan, Senior Vice President of Communications and Development. “Donated dollars will help upgrade our fully accessible Clover Patch Camp, renovate bedrooms at St. Margaret’s Center where many of our medically fragile residents spend the majority of their time and fund research on the development of products to make everyday activities easier for those with disabilities. To our donors and other supporters, a heartfelt thank you from everyone at the place where people get better at life. Next year’s #518gives Fundraiser is our 60th!”
The #518gives Fundraiser aired on WXXA/FOX23 with hosts John Gray, Lydia Kulbida, Tim Lake, Trishna Begam, Michael Barth, Christina Arangio, Ryan Peterson, Nicol Lally and Jess Briganti from the FOX23/News 10abc team and from Albany Broadcasting, Sean McMaster from B95.5, Carli O’Hara and Chad O’Hara from B95.5, Scott Pank and Billy the Kid from JAMZ 96.3, Pete Kelly from 100.9 The Cat, Christy Whitaker from FLY 92.3 and Mike Ryan from 107.1 The Point.
Chairperson of the #518gives Fundraiser Committee is Gregory S. Smith of RL Smith Sales.
Donations to the #518gives Fundraiser may still be made online at www.cfdsny.org, by texting the phrase 518gives to 243725 or by calling 518- 944-2121.
