We had such a great time at the YAI Central Park Challenge because my friends and I had such a wonderful time meeting new people from different boroughs. I met a guy named Gary Goldberg and his cute son named Brian. I love the story that he told about how his son has cerebral palsy.

I saw my friends from the self advocacy group and they had a booth near the bandshell. I got to meet Bill Ritter from Eyewitness News on Channel 7. I said to him that I am a big fan of your show. Rene and I took a picture of him after the show was over. Bill was making a few announcements before everybody lined up to do the walk. We were all following the Cheer of New York cheerleaders. Then we all started walking around the whole park while Larry, Rene and Quentin was in front of us holding up the signs. After the walk, Rene and I walked around looking at different tables and getting free stuff and playing some games. I was making a bracelet and a zipper holder at the arts and crafts table. After that we all cleaned up and went over to the bandshell but before we did that my friend Janice wanted to read a speech that she wrote. Plus, then we all got up on stage and got ready to hold up the final balance of the money. Last year the self advocates made over $413 so this year we wanted to raise more. We raised over $506 this year. After that we all thanked everybody for coming out and helping us raise all this money. Half the people get some and we put the rest back into the YAI cause until next year. Our next Central Park Challenge will be held on Saturday June 6, 2026 from 8:00 to 12:00.