November 19, 2009

A record-breaking gala could not have come at a better time for the YAI Network.

On Thursday night, more than 550 YAI Network supporters — joined by YAI Network spokesperson Sherri Shepherd, Whoopi Goldberg, Miss USA Kristen Dalton and Tony-nominated actor Jonathan Groff — gathered at The Plaza Hotel to rally in support of vital services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. This year’s Gala centered around the theme “Now More than Ever…it Matters” and came as escalating budget cuts threaten essential services that people with disabilities count on every day for their independence and community inclusion.

Thanks to Sherri Shepherd’s efforts to spread the message, the public has never been more motivated to support the exceptional quality of the services that YAI Network provides for people with disabilities. Thanks to outreach by the Gala committee and Sherri, who asked her friend and colleague Whoopi Goldberg to emcee the event, the gala was our most successful yet.

“Now more than ever, your commitment, your passion, your partnership, and your support not only matter, but are crucial to making our mission a reality,” said Dr. Philip H. Levy, YAI Network’s CEO and President. “Challenging times are not a reason to give up and walk away, but they are a reason to work harder, to strengthen our resolve and to create new opportunities.”

A School for Hope

In addition to filling gaps in funding cuts to YAI programs, proceeds from the Gala will support the creation of a much-needed school for children with autism and other disabilities to attend after they have graduated from preschool. Sherri spoke passionately about the need for this school, not only for her own son, but also for his peers.

“When my son graduates from preschool, he will have nowhere to go to receive the same excellent, individualized services,” she said. “There are thousands of families like mine who are looking for a school, but don’t know where to turn. That is why the YAI Network is looking to build a school. That is why we are here tonight.”

Help us build a school now!

Honoring our Friends and Partners

Saluting people who are committed to creating opportunities for people with disabilities was an emotional highlight of the gala.

“One of the reasons that YAI is so successful in helping people with disabilities live, learn, work and grow in the community is because of their partnerships with people and companies that are committed to their mission,” Whoopi said.

YAI Network honored three outstanding friends and partners at the gala. Stanley M. Bergman, the CEO of Henry Schein, Inc. received the Corporate Partner of the Year Award; Frank Crystal & Company received the Charlotte Parkinson Hope Award; and Dr. Joel M. Levy, YAI Network’s recently retired CEO, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

View Gala auction and raffle winners here.

In the picture

From left, Sheldon Kwiat, Vice-Chair, YAI's Board of Trustees; Whoopi Goldberg, Master of Ceremonies; Dr. Philip H. Levy, CEO and President, YAI Network; Sherri Shepherd, YAI Network Spokesperson; Kristen Dalton, Miss USA; Eliot Green, Chair, YAI's Board of Trustees; and Jonathan Groff, Tony-nominated star of "Spring Awakening."