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The YAI and Broadview Networks 25th Annual Central Park Challenge was our most successful yet! Despite a still-struggling economy, we raised more awareness than ever before and surpassed our $1.5 million goal. The funds will go to support vital programs for people with developmental and learning disabilities and their families throughout the YAI Network. Thank you to the thousands of people who helped us reach this milestone: family, friends, corporate sponsors, and caring members of our community.  We could not have done it without you!

A Special Thank You to Our Celebrity Supporters!

Every year, the Central Park Challenge is supported by hundreds of volunteers who give their time and efforts and make the event special to all who attend.
We would like to extend a special thank you to celebrity supporters Sherri Shepherd, Tina Fey, Bill Ritter, Diane Neal, Grizz Chapman, Jonathan Clarke, Laila Robins and Miss Teen USA Stormi Bree Henley! We would also like to thank Sarah Laskow of Kay Unger New York, for designing this year’s Central Park Challenge t-shirts!

5K Run

This year our 5K Run had more participants than ever! Dedicated racers and recreational runners strove for their personal best times in one of New York City’s most scenic courses. New this year, 5K Run results were specially timed with a Chrono D Tag tracking system, which captured runners’ times at the finish line. Congratulations to our 1st Place finishers:

 1st Place Male: Joe Jacobs, 16:34
1st Place Female: Ivette Mejia, 18:10
1st Place YAI Male Staff: Justin Parker, 18:56
1st Place YAI Female Staff: Michele Rider, 19:32
1st Place YAI Program Participant: Zachary Lieberman, 35:43
1st Place Broadview Networks Team (Male): Daniel Altenau, 16:42
1st Place Broadview Networks Team (Female): Colleen Murray, 27:17

View all 5K run results.

Update: Go, Team Jaden, Go!

Jaden, the adorable three-year-old who was this year’s poster child for Central Park Challenge, loves playing sports. His exuberant grin lit up billboards, subways, buses, and newspapers throughout the New York metropolitan area, and shined in TV Public Service Announcements and inspired thousands. Jaden has developmental disabilities, which also left him with physical challenges as well. Last year, when he and his parents attended the Central Park Challenge, Jaden was unable to participate in the Jr. All-American children’s races because he was struggling to walk.

A year later, so much has changed.
“Thanks to YAI,” said Sandra, “This year, instead of watching from the sidelines, Jaden ran the entire length of the children’s race while proudly yelling “I win! I win!”
 “The whole day was just amazing,” said Sandra. “I owe not only Jaden’s life, but my own life, to YAI.”

Get Involved!

While the 2010 Central Park Challenge event has passed, it is never too early to begin fundraising and planning efforts for the 2011 event! You can stay up to date on Central Park Challenge news on our Facebook, Twitter and Central Park Challenge blog