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A group of young professionals arrived at the Bohemian National Hall on East 73rd Street in Manhattan on a cold Wednesday afternoon and began stringing festive lights in preparation for a holiday get together. This was no usual holiday party, however. Nearly 50 volunteers from YAI’s Brighter Futures Society (BFS) and 75 people with disabilities who receive services from YAI gathered at the Hall on for a night of fun and holiday cheer. The Third Annual BFS Holiday Party included karaoke, dancing, food, games and decorations donated by the BFS.

The BFS is a group of New York professionals who raise funds and awareness to benefit the YAI Network. Members work hard to support the mission of YAI by giving their time and efforts through volunteering at recreational programs, planning social events and networking with other young professionals who want to make a difference. The group holds an annual event every spring to raise funds for crucial programs, as well as the holiday party for YAI program participants. The BFS also raised money for YAI’s Mainstreaming at Camp Program through the BFS Camp Scholarship Fund, which helped send 22 children to camp last year!

Members of our programs who attended the party had the time of their lives celebrating the holidays with friends, old and new.

 “The party was a great chance to meet new people and a fun way to celebrate the holidays,” said George, a member of YAI’s Manhattan Recreation Services program.

BFS members also enjoyed themselves as they spread the true holiday spirit and the mission of the YAI Network.

“The YAI Holiday Party is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the participants’ accomplishments and also look forward to the upcoming year,” said Lauren Hubbell, a BFS member. “Attending the party and introducing my friends to YAI enabled them to see the benefits YAI offers to its program members first-hand.”