CPW Gives Presentation for Iona's Pi Kappa Phi Ability Week

RYE BROOK, NY – On Friday, May 7, 2021, as part of Ability Week, Iona College’s Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity invited Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s (CPW’s) Disability Awareness Team to give a presentation via Zoom. Led by CPW Outreach Coordinator Felice Gritz, Disability Awareness Team members Lucas, Jennifer, Claudia, Ollie, and Keith sang, danced, and read poetry with the help of their puppet friends. The team gives similar presentations at local elementary schools throughout the year, fostering awareness about the disabled community.

Each year, during Ability Week (May 3 – 7), Iona’s Pi Kappa Phi raises funds for their foundation, The Ability Experience, through a mix of live and virtual events. This year, a portion of the money raised will be donated to Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, the fraternity’s local charity of choice. Pi Kappa Phi formed a relationship with CPW almost a decade ago in order to live out their mission of raising money for the disabled population. Members of the fraternity volunteer during their winter and spring semesters in CPW’s BRIDGE School and Adult Day Programs. They lend a hand in the classrooms and engage with the children and adults in our programs, participating in activities such as basketball and karaoke. At the conclusion of Friday’s Zoom event, Pi Kappa Phi Philanthropy Chair Jordy Diaz stated, “We are excited to continue our relationship with Cerebral Palsy of Westchester for many years to come!” For more, go to https://www.iona.edu/student-l...

The Ability Experience is a philanthropic initiative of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity with the purpose of instilling lifelong service in its members and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. The Ability Experience has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit with numerous programs educating undergraduates, alumni, and communities about the abilities of people. For more, go to https://abilityexperience.org/.

Now in its 72nd year, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with all developmental disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Through a comprehensive network of educational programs, day services, residential sites, therapeutic services, employment training, recreation programs and advocacy, the agency helps thousands of children and adults in Westchester and Fairfield Counties live more productive and satisfying lives. The organization’s motto is: Realizing Tomorrow’s Potential . . . Today!

For high resolution photos and more information, contact Tia Levinson, CPW’s Director of Development and Public Relations, at 914-937-3800 ext. 353 or email tia.levinson@cpwestchester.org.