Walk In The Park for Autism Is Runaway Success
May 11, 2009
(Smithtown, N.Y.) The Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), a leading service provider for children and adults with autism on Long Island, hosted their annual “Walk in the Park” to promote community support for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. DDI raised over $50,000 towards funding the vital programs and services DDI provides to over 1,500 families served by their educational and residential programs, adult day training and medical services.
Hundreds of Long Islanders came out for the scenic 5K Walk through Suffolk County’s beautiful Holtsville Ecology Park which featured activities for the entire family, followed by a festival in the park complete with food, music, games, prizes, a petting zoo and more. Outback Steakhouse of Holbrook provided the food and their staff donated their time to serve the delicious lunch
“It is truly inspiring to me that each and every year families and friends join DDI at our annual walk to show their support for the children and adults that we serve across Long Island with autism and other developmental disabilities while having a fun day in the park,” stated Peter Pierri, Executive Director of DDI. “Despite the tough economic times we all face today, it is heartwarming to witness the generosity of the numerous volunteers and the nearly 900 attendees who have lent themselves to help benefit the more than 1,500 adults and children who receive services daily through DDI’s many programs.”
While the list of supporters is long, there are a few people whose efforts cannot go unmentioned: Outback Steakhouse of Holbrook, HIP, Red Bull, JoJo Energy Drink, Medford Chemist, Metlife, Shore Pharm, YAP Charitable Foundation and All State.
DDI is a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Smithtown, NY, with more than 30 locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties. Serving nearly 1,000 children and adults with a diagnosis of an autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), DDI is the largest provider of services for individuals with autism on Long Island. It provides educational, vocational, and residential programs, as well as medical and dental services for over 1,500 children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI also operates family-centered preschool programs for both children with disabilities as well as typically developing students. DDI was founded in 1961 by a group of parents to address the special educational and therapeutic needs of their children with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI is a member agency of the United Way. For more information about DDI, visit www.ddiinfo.org.
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