Fundraising for “People First: Wishing – Working – Winning”

On Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 approximately 260 supporters attended Independent Living’s 3rd annual fundraising breakfast at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor, NY. Founding Executive Director Doug Hovey spoke about the need for funding to ensure that young students receive encouragement to pursue employment and higher education goals, and the need to advocate for the right to live in the community instead of a nursing home.

Board President Matthew Migliaccio challenged the audience to consider whether it is acceptable for our insurance companies to pay for full hospital and nursing home care for elderly people, but not to pay for them to spend their final days at home, with their families, even though it is much less expensive for them to do so.

Service recipients, Milton Santiago and Natasha Underwood, who is Deaf, and communicated her message using American Sign Language and an interpreter, spoke about the challenges they faced when seeking employment, the support received from Independent Living, and their improved quality of life as a result of working.

Finally, Board Vice President Charles Walwyn thanked all who have donated in the past and made an appeal to all present to give as generously as possible to ensure that Independent Living is here not only for those who need our services today, but for our friends and family members who will need these services tomorrow and in generations to come.

Independent Living thanks breakfast sponsors Provident Bank, Ulster Savings Bank, D&D Mailing Services, and Michael Kanakis, Photographer, for their generosity.

Diane speaks about advocating for her daughter, Sara

Photo Gallery: Photography by Michael Kanakis