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How You Make A Difference
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Pictured above, Hayven Smith at Day on the Farm, 2017, Miss Stanislaus Spirit Princess Pageant 2017, and Miracle League 2018.
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Met Havyen Smith. She is 9 years old and the reigning Miss Stanislaus Spirit Princess!
Hayven was approaching her first birthday and she wasn't sitting up yet. Shortly after she was
diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. It was the Society's Loan Closet that provided Hayven with her first wheelchair. It was one with happy faces. Later, the Society provided her with a gait trainer. Now Society provides here with the opportunity to do things her family never thought were possible.
At age 5 was her first Day On the Farm. An annual activity that Hayven doesn't want to miss. it givers her the opportunity to ride a horse (and to feed a horse, too - see picture upper left). She also gets to see friends there, too.
With Miracle League she plays for the Phillies (pictured bottom left). She looks forward to playing and visiting with friends. Her family is grateful the specialized field is available otherwise, Hayven would not be able to play.
Last September, Hayven was crowned the first Miss Stanislaus Spirit Princess. She feels honored to be the first one crowned (middle picture on left) and is looking forward to crowning her successor on June 2nd. Connie Hagens, Hayven's grandmother said, "Hayven entered the pageant to have fun! That's how she answered one of the application questions! It was surprise to us and her when she was crowned!" It took a few moments for Hayven to realize it was her. She was clapping for the winner one moment and the next moment there was a tiara on her head! The spirit pageant gave her the opportunity to do something she never thought was possible. She enjoyed the Princess Luncheon and meeting new friends. She definitely showed her true spirit and does every day.
She also has a true giving heart. She recently cut her hair to donate to cancer patients. The generous gift was Hayven's second time doing this.
Hayven is a social butterfly! She gets excited about being able to attend Society for disABILITIES' programs. She looks forward to seeing her friends, trying new things, and most important she enjoys herself.
Society for disABILITIES provides Hayven the opportunity to enjoy herself in programs she and her family never thought were possible.
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Ride for Mom Fundraiser
Thank you Ride for Mom for selecting Society for disABILITIES to be one of the recipients for this year's Ride for Mom. The wonderful $2500 check was presented at the kick-off event for the Ride for Mom on Friday, May 11th.
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PROGRAM NEWS
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Miracle League
We are counting down our last two games for the spring season. On May 12th we will have a BBQ lunch for everyone, generously donated from Raley's of Modesto. If you haven't yet, meet us at Miracle League Field before the season is over!
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Adaptive Bowling
Our Adapted Bowling Program runs year round on the
FIRST
and
THIRD
Thursdays of every month. Join us for a few games of bowling!
All bowlers
MUST pre-register in order to reserve a spot for the bowling program. All reservations are
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE.
To register for the program, click
HERE
For more information, please go to
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Water Skiing
Water Ski is just around the corner! Enjoy a day out on the reservoir with Society. The first ski date is set for June 23rd!
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Day on the Farm
We are getting ready for our annual Day on the Farm, which will be held on June 16th. Come out to Sanchez Farms and enjoy a relaxing day filled with hayrides, a petting zoo, horseback riding and so much more. If you haven't been before, we encourage you to sign up now!
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Bike Camp
Be on the lookout for our upcoming Bike Camp! We are in the process of getting everything ready for Bike Camp. Details about the camp will be coming soon.
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To see our programs, please visit our
Facebook page.
For more program information, please contact
Channa o
r call (209) 524-3536
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Sponsorship Available
Society for disABILITIES will be one of the 5 non-profits benefiting from the Community Brunch! Save the date, Sunday, September 23, 2018!
The Community Brunch is a fabulous event hosted by the Costa Family Foundation that highlights five local non-profits. The Community Brunch features a delicious breakfast with a variety of food and beverages. You won't leave hungry!
Sponsorship is needed now to secure your company name or logo on the event's marketing pieces. Contact Carolyn at (209) 524-3536 or
click here to email.
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2nd Annual Miss Stanislaus Spirit Princess Pageant
The pageant is quickly approaching! 5 of the 24 applications have already been received and the deadline is not until May 18th! Please do not hesitate to complete your application and turn in soon! Many phone calls have been received and the Pageant is anticipating 24 contestants.
The pageant is hosted by the Modesto 500 Lions Club. It is a SPIRIT pageant for girls ages 5 to 22 with disabilities. The day itself is fit for a princess! It is about making new friends and great memories. Prior to the pageant the contestants have a light lunch with a princess and visiting royalty.
Pageant is Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in the Downey High School Auditorium. Tickets are $15 per person available at Society for disABILITIES or at the door. Sponsorship and program ads are also available.
The pageant this year will feature two contestant groups: Little, ages 5 to 12 and Teen for ages 13 to 22. Each category is open to the first 12 completed applications. Completed applications include the application, picture and registration fee. Contestants do not have to reside in Stanislaus County to participate. Each group will have a princess crowned as well as a "Best Friend". The Best Friends is honored for her friendliness and her support towards others.
To see pictures of last year's pageants.
To see pictures from last year's pageant, click here. Any questions, please call or email Carolyn Gomes at (209) 524-3536
click here to email Carolyn.
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June is Disabilities Awareness Month in Stanislaus County
The cities in and Stanislaus County proclaim each June Disabilities Awareness Month. At a designated City Council or Board of Supervisors meeting the Proclamation is read.
Here's the schedule if you would like to join us in your city!
City of Ceres - Monday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m.
City of Hughson - Tuesday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m.
City of Modesto - Tuesday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m.
City of Newman - Tuesday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m.
City of Oakdale - Monday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m.
City of Patterson - Tuesday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m.
City of Turlock - Tuesday, June 12 at 6:00 p.m.
City of Waterford - Thursday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Stanislaus County - Tuesday, June 5 at 9:00 a.m.
All Proclamations are done at the City Council meeting or Board of Supervisors Meeting in the Council Chambers.
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Volunteers Needed
The North Modesto Kiwanis Club has asked for help from the Society for disABILITIES to recruit volunteers for The American Graffiti Festival. This year's dates are June 8, 9, and 10. Help is needed for the Parade on the Friday night and for the car show on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, please contact Carolyn Gomes at 209-524.3536 or email
[email protected]
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A Note from Marci Boucher,
Executive Director
Hello!
Edgar Guest said, "Spring's greatest joy beyond a doubt is when it brings the children out." I couldn't agree more!
Spring has brought out more players and spectators to Miracle League Baseball and to Bowling. Soon it will be Miss Stanislaus Spirit Princess Pageant, Day on The Farm, Water Ski and Bike Camp. (see program article). All opportunities for children to be out!
June will be proclaimed Disabilities Awareness Month! I hope you can enjoy the Proclamation Presentation in your city! Our theme this year is "See the ABILITIES in everyone!" See article for dates.
Save the following dates:
- Sunday, September 23 for the Costa Family Foundation's Community Brunch
- Saturday, October 27 for the Annual Wild West Gala.
As always, we are looking for committee members, day of the event volunteers, and of course, sponsorship, auction items, and ticket purchasers. The Society greatly relies on these fundraisers to support our programs as we receive no government funding. Please let us know how you would like to help. Contact Carolyn for more information.
I look forward to seeing you at the June 2, Miss Stanislaus Spirit Princess Pageant hosted by the Modesto 500 Lions Club and at Day on the Farm, June 16th. Not doubt about it, the next month has many opportunities for children to be out and about.
On behalf of the board of directors, staff, and myself, thanks to all of you, from the bottom of my heart. You are making a difference in people's lives right here in our community. This couldn't happen without your support.
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Marci Boucher
Executive Director
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Thrift Stores
Whether you are shopping or donating, you are giving... and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Visit our thrift stores Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Downtown Store is at 1129 8th Street, Scenic Store is at 700 Scenic Drive.
SaveMart Cares
Shop on Amazon
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Like our Facebook page and posts
Donate Your Car
Donate your car, truck or boat today! When you donate your car to Society for disABILITIES you not only help support our programs, but you receive a tax deductible receipt. It is easy to donate, call Carolyn at 209.524.3536 to schedule your pick up.
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May Recipe
Berries and Banana Fruit Salad
The perfect fresh fruit salad for your patriotic picnics and barbecues!
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