LEGOLAND® NEW YORK “AWESOME AWARENESS DAYS” RAISE $3,000 FOR NOT-FOR-PROFITS
Proceeds Benefit Beautiful People, Pets Alive and Merlin’s Magic Wand
GOSHEN, NY (July 30, 2018) – LEGOLAND® New York raised $3,000.00 for not-for-profit organizations during its “Awesome Awareness Days,” parent company Merlin Entertainments announced today. The proceeds were divided equally between local not-for-profits Beautiful People of the Hudson Valley and Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, as well as Merlin’s children’s charity Merlin’s Magic Wand.
Between March and June, LEGOLAND New York held a series of three “Awesome Awareness Days” to give local businesses, schools and charities information about partnership and vendor opportunities. Participants were asked to contribute $10.00 per person towards the donation.
“It’s incredibly important to us to reach out to the local community,” said Phil Royle, Director of Development for LEGOLAND New York. “We’re proud to provide ongoing support to these two amazing charities, Beautiful People and Pets Alive. The wonderful work they’re doing is very much in alignment with our values here at Merlin.”
Beautiful People aims to build bridges between children with disabilities and their families and the broader community of Orange County by providing adaptive sports for children and young adults.
Pets Alive, which recently was named “Best Non-Profit” in the Times Herald-Record’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, is a no-kill animal rescue which aims to improve the lives of companion animals everywhere.
The Orange County and Goshen Chambers of Commerce helped coordinate the donations to the two local not-for-profits.
“It was our privilege to partner with LEGOLAND New York to bring vendor opportunities to our members and the business community,” said Lynn Allen Cione, President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. “We are gratified at LEGOLAND New York’s ongoing support of our businesses and our not-for-profits, such as Pets Alive and Beautiful People. Our not-for-profits are a vital part of our community and their good work is essential to our quality of life. “
Merlin’s Magic Wand, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, supports the lives of children facing illness, disability or adversity around the globe by providing them tickets and travel grants for “Magical Days Out” at Merlin attractions, or bringing the fun to them via the charity’s “Merlin’s Magic Spaces” projects.
When it opens in spring 2020, LEGOLAND New York will feature more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, all geared towards families with children ages 2-12. The Park, currently under construction in Goshen, will also include a 250 room LEGO themed hotel from the outset.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos attached.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jan Brunkhorst , 845-986-5944
Holly Borzacchiello, 845-629-2720
Date: October 4, 2017
BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
Orange County Chapter of Miracle League
5K Field of Dreams
Proceeds to Daniel Fratto Memorial Field
Orange County’s first Field of Dreams
All Access Ball Field
Join Beautiful People Saturday October 28, 2017
Wickham Woodlands Park
253 State School Road
Warwick, NY 10990
For the Halloween 5K Race / 1K Fun Run
We will run in the Wickham Woodlands Super fast & flat course. In person registration will begin at 9AM
Race will start at 10am SHARP ! Awards to top overall female & male finishers and participation awards.
5K Race Pre-Register $20.00 Day of Race $25
1K Fun Run / Pre-Register $8 Day of Race $10
FREE event T-Shirt for first (100) Pre-Registered 5K participants. Additional event T-Shirts available for Purchase to registered participants for $5.00. FREE BBQ Lunch to follow.
We are welcoming event sponsors, volunteers ( volunteer service letters supplied). Please contact Holly Borzacchiello- Race Co-Director cell: 845-629-2720.
For additional information about Beautiful People go to:
www.beautiful-people.us
Contact: Kim Scotto
Art-n-Soul
Cell: 845-656-0346
artnsoulLife@gmail.com
www.artnsoulstudio.com
Art-n-Soul Jr. Entrepreneurs Truly Live Up To Their Name
Art that is good for the soul, right here on 7 West St. Warwick, NY. Children ages 7 & up can now be apart of creative art classes while learning business. Kim Olsen Scotto, 13 year business owner and author of Magical Ears came up with the inviting concept to teach kids entrepreneurial skills while doing what they love most, ART! From start to finish, children work together as a team. From designing business cards & building up their art inventory, to creating & selling their completed crafts at a local fair where the proceeds from their sales are donated to a chosen charity.
Last December, Art-n-Soul’s Jr. Entrepreneurs raised money for Mary’s Meals and once again, they give, this time to Beautiful People, a local organization that provides sports teams for kids with disabilities. Art-n-Soul kids raised $650 between selling their art at Friyo’s Art & Chocolate night and at the Sugar Loaf Craft Fair this past Memorial Day weekend.
“I believe my class is doing well because the parents are seeing the effects that it has on their children,”said Kim Scotto, center of the group. “They learn many life skills but most importantly, compassion. What better way to give, then by using self expression for a greater cause”.
New Artist Are Welcome!
Registration for Art-n-Soul’s fall entrepreneur classes is now open. Classes run Sept-Dec and then another session starts Feb. through May.
For more details on classes, parties, ladies night and fundraising events visit www.artnsoulstudio.com or call Kim at 845-656-0346.
Photo taken by Ada Seymour
Check presented to
Beautiful People at State School Rd in Warwick NY.
Beautiful People to Announce 2015 Sports Awards at “Out of the Park” October Dinner Dance
Warwick based adaptive sports non-profit will announce this year’s awards for Beautiful People players at its annual dinner dance Friday, October 30th, at the Falkirk Estate. The “Out of the Park” event honors special needs participants for their achievements in soccer, basketball, and Miracle League baseball. Some 200 children and young adults from all over Orange County take part in seasons of team sports throughout the year.
The Golden Glove, always presented as a surprise, went to Luke Soto, of Warwick in 2013, pictured here. Luke is in his 7th year with the league; he plays first base and is a strong hitter. The Soccer Teamwork Award and Basketball Sportsmanship Award are also being ordered up for some unsuspecting honorees.
Miracle League Baseball will be literally home based when the fundraising is complete and the build-out of a fully accessible ball field is accomplished right here in the new Wickham Woodlands recreation area. Determined and enthusiastic volunteers are helping to develop the “Daniel Fratto Memorial Field” which celebrated its ground breaking in May.
The organization is grateful to longtime supporter Jeff Waitze, of Sun Terra Produce, who hit another home run with his Host Sponsorship of the event. Music is also generously presented by The Groove, organized by Dan Chester. Tickets are $85 and tables of 10/12 can be reserved by calling 986-5944 or a visit to the website at www.beautiful-people.us Donations welcomed if you cannot attend but would like to help.
Marcel Martino-Beautiful People Hall of Fame Inductee to be honored at 7th Annual Fall Dinner Dance “Out of the Park” for Beautiful People
Marcel Martino, President & CEO of Inspire, the Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association, will be the honoree of the Beautiful People 7th Annual Dinner Dance, “Out of the Park” at the Falkirk Estate & Country Club. This fundraiser will be held Oct 30th and Martino will be the 4th inductee into the Hall of Fame recognizing those whose leadership has had a lasting impact on improving the lives of children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
“Marcel threw out the first pitch at the first-ever ball game for Beautiful People in September 2007” noted the Warwick based non-profit’s Founder and President, Peter Ladka. Peter, having launched Beautiful People had what he has called the “crazy idea” to see kids who did not ordinarily have a chance at mainstream sports. Ladka planned a single day of baseball by forming the Miracle League of Orange County, NY. Since then the non-profit sports programs have expanded to include soccer and basketball, and now serve 200 players ages 5 and up. Martino continued his support, available as a mentor to BP’s Jan Brunkhorst, Executive Director, and through Inspire, as a responsive sponsor. Many of children and families participating in sports were in the care of Inspire in pre-school and clinical services.
Martino joined Inspire in January 2007, having been President of Paxxon Healthcare.
He is the recipient of the Daniel Wider Executive Leadership Award in 2012, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, 2011 Pillars of the Community Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center.
The dinner dance features live music by The Groove, with vocalist Debbie Major.
Tickets and sponsorship info at 845-986-5944 or visiting www.beautiful-people.us
Inspire was founded as Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association, Inc. in 1950 primarily to provide rehabilitative and education services to children with cerebral palsy. Today, Inspire provides a wide array of outpatient, educational, and support services for individuals of all ages and abilities and for the general public. Currently, Inspire operates sites in Goshen, Newburgh & Monroe in order to adequately serve children and adults from throughout Orange County. Inspire is a registered non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
Following the Ground Breaking ceremony on May 31st for the new accessible ball field in Warwick’s newest Town Park, the adaptive sports organization Beautiful People, (the Miracle League of Orange County NY) will have its own Yankees and Mets team face off as a crowd pleaser for an important fundraiser. Dollars are being raised to build-out a fully accessible safe surface ball field for the non-profit to extend its reach to those want-to-be athletes with mobility challenges. Dedication is being made as the Daniel Fratto Memorial Field. Daniel, who succumbed to complications of his severe immune deficiency syndrome at age 19, served as the groups PA announcer, and made history with Beautiful People when he was honored at HOPE Week by the NY Yankees and was allowed to announce Derek Jeter to the plate during a July game in 2010.Come out for a day of family fun, with baseball skill drills, raffles and prizes, bouncy house, visit with Macaroni the Clown, listen to a marathon of local bands and concession provided by Subway, and Fetch Restaurant. VIP tent is planned with a meet and greet of some surprise major league ball players.Six years in operation Beautiful People has grown to now serve 200 families with a child or young adult with special needs throughout Orange County. Baseball, soccer, and basketball seasons are offered to those 5 years old and up to socialize, exercise and enjoy the benefits of team sports. Their plan is to complete the field this summer along with an additional tee ball field so that they will be able to launch their spring season 2016 at the new park. Your donations are appreciated.
Beautiful People, Adaptive Sports for children and young adults with disabilities/special needs.
Baseball 2015 Season Opener is May 3rd at the Town of Wallkill Little League Park in Middletown. New Players are welcomed, and more volunteers are needed. Register on-line at www.beautiful-people.us or call 845-986-5944 to sign up and PLAY Ball!
Main stream Little League parades have passed by our towns and villages all over Orange County. A special parade is yet to come. These players may be new, they may be inexperienced, and they may have some physical and developmental challenges but they are determined. They have made this game their own through the help of a non-profit organization named aptly Beautiful People. Since starting the program in 2007 as a Miracle League chapter of a national entity, the organization has grown to have over 200 players participating ages 5 through 25 years old. They have expanded to soccer and to basketball in the last 4 years and gather together off season at least once a month to exercise, socialize and enjoy the benefits of team sports.
New Players are welcomed and more volunteers are needed
New comers will be assigned to one of ten baseball teams and play on Sundays at either 10 or 11 am. The Town of Wallkill Little League park has been their host since 2010, located at 99 Little League Way. It’s an experience with all the traditions—uniforms, great coaches, the equipment you need, and moms and dads—even aunts and uncles can watch from the stands. The volunteer buddy program enables every player who needs one to have a buddy to help as much as he or she would like the help. Teens and adults are needed for this special one-on-one task, and service hours can be verified for teens. Pre-Opening Day is May 3rd and Macaroni the Clown and Renegade mascot Rascal are on hand for the fun. Starting with the Pledge and end with the High-Fives, right through to Awards Day, this non-competitive setting is a WIN-WIN for kids who usually just get to watch their siblings.
Call to register to play or volunteer 845-986-5944.
Learn more about how to participate or support this non-profit www.beautiful-people.us
Beautiful People, the Miracle League Chapter of Orange County New York, partners with the Town of Warwick for land use for build-out of accessible ball park for children with special needs and mobility challenges.
News of this special ball park sparks attention beyond our community. A donation of six light poles from the Arthur Ashe Center U.S. Tennis Center will shine on the new town park in Warwick, at the former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility. The local effort to retrieve the lights includes help from the Shuback family, the Warwick Historical Society’s AME construction team, and Little League’s Roger Showalter, and cable donations from Alteva.Warwick based non-profit, Beautiful People, provider of sports programs for children and young adults with disabilities announced their agreement last September for a long term use and enhancement to the recreational area of the former Mid-Orange Correctional facility soon to be affirmed as a Town Park. The estimated $300,000 for the fully accessible, safe-surface ball field and one natural turf t-ball sized field will be raised by the organization and NOT the responsibility of the Town of Warwick.
The new fields will be located within the new Office and Technology Park, near the manor house at the former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility. A full sized minor league ball diamond with dugouts already exist as well as a concession building with accessible restrooms, a large picnic pavilion, and parking lot.
The WIN-WIN of this agreement shouts “inclusion” as the park itself will be shared by all children, just as our existing town parks are used by all of the area’s sports organizations and the public. This one will accommodate those kids who too often have only been spectators. Beautiful People, currently provides baseball, soccer and basketball for over 200 players and their families across Orange County. Their model is such that each child is paired by with a mainstream teen or adult to help as much as is needed to perform skill drills and play a game. The results of this interface are beautiful as well, as relationships are formed and the time spent together is more about their shared interests rather than their differences.
If you have information on how this public effort can be helped contact sportspark@beautiful-people.us
Jim Sutton, Chairperson of the Beautiful People Sports Park Development Task Force, or call the BP office at 845-986-5944. Details on the organization at www.beautiful-people.us
PHOTO: Pictured is Jeremy Havens, non-profit attorney and board secretary of Beautiful People engaging in the disassembling and transport of the donated lights. (Photo courtesy of Edward DeFalcon)
A highlight of the “Out of the Park” Dinner Dance fundraiser for Beautiful People was the announcement by special guest John Flaherty, former Yankee and YES Network Announcer, naming the fully accessible ball field being developed in the new Town Park in Warwick. The “Daniel Fratto Memorial Field” is to be a fully accessible safe-surface ball diamond which will make it possible for the non-profit adaptive sports programing organization to attract more players will physical challenges to America’s favorite pastime of baseball. Fundraising efforts are ongoing in the hope of construction spring 2015. Daniel Fratto was an announcer and treasured ambassador of Beautiful People who was honored during the Yankee HOPE Week in 2010, and made history that day by being the only other person other than Bob Shepherd to call Derek Jeter to bat. His regular volunteer duties included being the announcer for the BP players each game. Daniel, a Minisink High School senior engaged his school mates and the community at large in a Walk-a-thon raising over $15000 for the future build-out of the field. He succumbed to complications of his severe immune deficiency disorder on December 23rd, 2012 at home with his family. His legacy continues through all that knew him and had been inspired by him, and now will be honored long term with the field he became so passionate about to be named for him. Parents, Danielle and Mike Fratto shared the moment with John Flaherty and Daniel’s friend Jillian Dolce, who took up the banner to continue fund development for this project by organizing two Bowl-a-thons in his memory, adding nearly another $20,000 to the fund total. Contributions are encouraged to make this long term dream a reality. $300,000 is needed. Contact Jan at 845-986-5944 or visit www.beautiful-people.us to learn more.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Clara Brunkhorst (pictured are BP Founder Peter Ladka, Danielle and Mike Fratto, Jillian Dolce, YANKEE YES Network Announcer John Flaherty, and BP Director Jan Brunkhorst)
PARSIPPANY, N.J., October XX – Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide (www.ochww.com), the health behavior experts of Ogilvy & Mather (www.ogilvy.com), today announced the New Jersey-based group’s VP of Facilities and Procurement, Martin Sillen, will be inducted into the Beautiful People’s Hall of Fame on Friday, October 24 at the Falkirk Estate and Country Club in Central Valley, NY. Beautiful People is a Warwick, NY-based charity that provides sports programs for children and young adults with disabilities.
Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide is a WPP company (NASDAQ: WPPGY, www.wpp.com). The organization houses and maintains individual Ogilvy CommonHealth and Ogilvy Healthworld brand identities within the marketplace.
Established as a non-profit organization in 2007, Beautiful People’s mission is to build bridges between children with disabilities and their families and the broader community of Orange County, NY by providing adaptive sports programs for children and young adults, age 5 and up.
Beautiful People’s 6th Annual Fall Fundraiser – “Out of the Park” Dinner Dance, an old-fashioned ballpark-themed event, will include dinner, music and dancing, raffles, and an auction. Mr. Sillen, the non-profit’s 3rd Hall of Fame inductee, will be honored for his commitment and contributions to the sustainability of Beautiful People’s sports programming and activities.
Mr. Sillen has been on Beautiful People’s board of directors for three years and actively involved with the charity for five years. Over the years, he has worked on various sports programming and fundraising efforts including golf outings, boat rides, and played an essential role in the development of the organization’s basketball program. Mr. Sillen’s passion for the organization stems from his devotion to his grandson who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and his motivation to bring programs to children who do not have the same opportunities for team sports as mainstream youth. For more information about Beautiful People, please visit www.beautiful-people.us.
Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide (www.ochww.com)—the health behavior experts of Ogilvy & Mather (www.ogilvy.com)—committed to creativity and effectiveness in healthcare communications, everywhere. Our global headquarters are in Parsippany, NJ, with additional North American offices in Irvine, CA, Newtown, CT, Chapel Hill, NC, New York, NY and Toronto and Montreal, Canada. With 58 offices in 40 cities across 32 markets, our offices are located in key geographies aligned with healthcare’s global footprint. Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide provides marketing services including behavioral insights, content strategy and management, digital, interactive and new media services, marketing analytics and research, media planning and buying, medical education, payer marketing and market access, professional advertising and promotion, public affairs and relations, relationship marketing, sales training development, and wellness and consumer advertising and promotion. The network also offers scientific communications and publications planning services through a wholly owned separate legal entity.
Warwick teen Luke Soto was surprised with the Beautiful People 2013 Georgene Ladka Memorial Golden Glove Award at the organization’s fall dinner dance fundraiser. Luke is one of nearly 200 Orange County children and young adults with special needs who participate in seasons baseball, soccer and basketball. “Luke is in his 6th year with us; he usually plays first base, he fields well and is a strong hitter. He is also a walking directory of baseball stats.” said Peter Ladka, Founder and Chairman of BP. The award nominations come from the coaches. Peter’s mother Georgene Ladka died in 2010 and her memory is honored by this award as a strong BP supporter and frequent game day volunteer.
For more information on sports programs or to volunteer visit www.beautiful-people.us or call 845-986-5944.
Photo credit: Jamie Kaminski Photography
Beautiful People will host their 5th Annual Fundraiser at the Falkirk Estate and Country Club in Central Valley on Friday evening, October 25 from 6 to 10 pm. They are proud this year to honor Pine Island employer Tom Herceg of SureHands Lift & Care Systems, whose career long commitment has been to improve the quality of life for those with physical disabilities. Tom’s national network distributes systems providing independence to those with challenges in both private and professional settings. Over 25,000 homes and workplaces work better with an emphasis on the Veterans Administration, Homes for our Troops, Horses for Heroes, Extreme Makeover, Habitat for Humanity, as well as rooms and lifts adapted at major universities, hotels and recreational facilities.
Beautiful People is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization building bridges between children with disabilities, their families, and the broader community by providing adaptive sports programs. Nearly 200, ages 5 and up, joined by teen and adult “buddy” volunteers, now participate in seasons of baseball, soccer and basketball. Every child deserves a chance to socialize, exercise and enjoy the benefits of team sports.
That vision expands to include the goal to build out fully accessible, safe surface ball fields. This year’s dinner dance theme is set on the nostalgia of an old-fashioned ballpark stadium. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite sports team garb and share in some ticket booth photo fun. Live music by the A-Band, cocktail hour and dinner fare the way only Falkirk can provide. There will be raffles, door prizes, and a bounty of appealing auction items. Tickets are $85, and sponsorships are available. Visit www.beautiful-people.us or call 845-986-5944 for details.
Middletown High School kindly hosted Beautiful People to experience track & field events last Saturday with coaches Eric Hipsman and Isaac Pinckney taking charge. It was a banner day for volunteers with a strong representation of athletes from Middletown and Warwick High School Track Teams. They buddied up one-on-one to help each of our kids with challenges to throw the discus, long jump, high jump, and the heat didn’t beat the heats of running races. The day was sponsored by Lodging Interactive, and the Gillette Creamery was on hand with popsicles. The adaptive sports programs continue throughout the year for Warwick based 501(c)3 non-profit Beautiful People. Registration is underway for fall soccer and baseball. Call 845-986-5944 for details. Donations welcomed.
Photo Credit: Jim Sutton
WHAT: FREE Soccer Skills Clinic for New and Returning players of Beautiful People, Adaptive Sports for Children with Disabilities
WHEN: Saturday, April 13th 1-3pm
WHERE: Primo Sports, 1741 Rt 17A, Florida, NY
Emily Gerbehy, senior at Warwick Valley High School, will be hosting a FREE soccer skills clinic at Primo Sports in Flordia, NY from 1-3pm for ages 5 and up on Saturday, April 13th, 2013 through Beautiful People. Primo Sports is a family run “Multi-Sports Center” which includes 3 indoor turf fields and 1 indoor sports court.
If you would like your child to be a part of the FREE SOCCER SKILLS CLINIC or to help by volunteering contact Emily Gerbehy by her email, emgerbehy2@gmail.com. If you are interested in donating money to help Emily sponsor the Beautiful People children you can donate here or send it to Beautiful People with a memo of Gerbehys Senior Project.
(Photo courtesy of Lee Ferris Photography) Foreground: Laura Tedford and Edward Podalak and Volunteer Buddy, Michelle Wyche.
Fratto catalyst for 2nd Community Grant from Sam’s Club Wal-Mart Foundation for Beautiful People
Jan Brunkhorst, Executive Director of Beautiful People accepted a $1000 check generated from the Wal-Mart Foundation at the appeal of Daniel Fratto as recipients via Sam’s Club. This is the second time that Beautiful People has been awarded their Community Grant; the first in fall of 2011 was $1500.
Daniel Fratto has been instrumental in raising over $15,000 for the build-out of a fully accessible sports park upon which children and young adults with disabilities can continue to play safely participating in the baseball and soccer programs provided by the non-profit organization known as Beautiful People.
Shown here 19 year old Daniel Fratto receives a Congratulatory Award for his work as a P.A. Announcer for Beautiful People.
Beautiful People Begin Another Special Season of Baseball
As children from all over Orange County pick up their gloves and head to their local ball parks for another spring season of baseball so too are some beautiful children of Orange County; those who are contending with physical and development disabilities. They have found a league which welcomes each and every one of them and they are spreading the word.
Sunday was Opening Day for Beautiful People adaptive baseball and it was evident that it is a growing organization. There was high expectation, energy and pure joy in the air as 120 children on 8 teams took the field for the anthem and opening day ceremonies led by BP favorite friends, Macaroni the Clown, and Renegade mascot Rascal.
Thanks to the Town of Wallkill Little League, several fields were used for simultaneous games and practice. As the games got underway, volunteer buddies helped with hitting and guiding children around bases while veteran BP players hit balls out of the park nearby. Expectation was replaced with sheer pride of accomplishment. Teen volunteers are another aspect of the beauty of this organization. Young people are learning the rewards of service, and recognizing that those with special needs share similar hopes and dreams to their own.
“Generous Spirit Award” presented by Beautiful People
2012 marks the third year, and another $5000, that the board of the William Froelich Foundation has donated to support the mission of Warwick based Beautiful People, a 501(c)3, founded by Peter Ladka. David Rimmer accepted the award from Alex Romano. David’s long time friend Bill Froelich passed away in 2009 leaving a legacy of life lived to the fullest as a man of great spirit, energy and generosity. Bill enjoyed visits to Warwick and had a particularly deep connection to Pacem In Terris, also a benefactor of the Foundation’s funding.
Beautiful People, Inc provides sports programs for children and young adults with disabilities.Their baseball program began as the Orange County NY Chapter of Miracle League. The organization has set its sights on the build out of a fully accessibe, safe surface sports park as a permanent home for their games. If you or someone you know is a resource for identifying property for this mission, please make contact. 845-986-5944 or e-mail sportspark@beautiful-people.us
Beautiful People Honor Josh Decker with Golden Glove Award
Warwick, NY – November 3rd, 2011 – At their recent annual Sports Celebrity fundraising dinner and auction, Beautiful People found ways to thank and praise some of the 120 children and young adults that they serve in their team sports programs for children and young adults with disabilities. It was an upbeat party of over 200 at the Falkirk Estate that began with original music and songs provided by Camp Venture Academy’s ROCKADEMY, a band of musicians with special needs.
Baseball legends, Rick Cerone and Mike Torrez were featured guests signing autographs and sharing great moments of their careers. Nine-year-old Joshua Decker of Waywayanda received the Golden Glove Award. His spinal bifida does not limit his determination to bat, run and field the ball with hustle. The organization’s long standing pitcher, John Hutting of Pine Bush, never having missed a game in 5 years received the first annual Volunteer of the Year Award. It was a great way to end the fall seasons of baseball and soccer.
The year round fitness and fun continues with indoor swimming and martial arts in November, and the holiday bowling party in December. Visit the website to learn more about the mission of (non-profit) Beautiful People to build out a fully accessible, safe surface sports park. Property is being sought in central Orange County. If you have skills or resources to assist, please call 845-986-5944, or email sportspark@beautiful-people.com.
Beautiful People Plans 3rd Annual Sports Celebrity Dinner and Auction
Warwick, NY – October 18th, 2011 – Beautiful People will hold its 3rd Annual Sports Celebrity Dinner and Auction on Friday, October 28th at 6pm at the beautiful Falkirk Estate in Central Valley, NY. One and all are invited to attend!
Baseball legends, Mike Torrez and Rick Cerone, will join friends of Beautiful People for an evening of great food, rocking music and a lively auction of sports memorabilia and other exciting items. This year for the first time, live music by Camp Venture’s band RockAdemy will entertain the crowd as well.
Tickets are $85 for adults and $25 for children.
This year’s fundraising efforts center on raising donations to help build a rubberized, fully accessible ball park that will make it safer and easier for the children with assistive devices to navigate and play ball.
To purchase tickets, or simply donate to Beautiful People sports programs and sports park build-out, go to www.beautiful-people.us, or contact Jan Brunkhorst at 845-986-5944 or e-mail: jbrunkhorst@beautiful-people.us
About Beautiful People:
Beautiful People, is a non-profit organization which provides adaptive sports for children and young adults with disabilities. Based in Warwick and established in 2007 by Peter Ladka, it now serves over 100 Orange County families and continues to grow.
Minisink H.S. Student, Daniel Fratto, Raises over $15K to toward Building Sports Park for Beautiful People
September 19th, 2011 – Opening Day for Beautiful People fall baseball and soccer are always special days when families get back together and trade summertime stories and news. Sunday was no exception, only to add to the excitement of the day, Beautiful People announcer, and Minisink Senior, Daniel Fratto surprised the families by presenting a supersized check to the organization for his recent fundraising efforts. With the help of the Minisink Kiwanis Key Club, Daniel organized a Walk at his High School in June to raise money to help with Beautiful People’s goal to build a rubberized, fully accessible sports park for the Beautiful People players, many of whom use assistive devices and are in need of a safer playing surface and facilities. The giant sized check – an amazing $15,552.69 – reflects the giant effort and spirit of a young man who, although challenged with his own health issues, is an inspiration to all who know him.
Daniel has recently been asked to join the Beautiful People Sports Park Task Force, comprised of Board members and accessibility experts, who are currently seeking an ideal parcel on which to build the special surface sports park. If you are aware of an opportunity for central Orange County or Goshen property that might be appropriate, please contact Jan Brunkhorst at 845-986-5944. In the meantime, the fundraising efforts took a huge step forward thanks to Daniel and Key Club friends!
Minisink H.S. Junior, Daniel Fratto, Organizes Walk to Build Adaptive Sports Field for Beautiful People
May 18th, 2011 – Not only is Daniel Fratto only the second person to EVER to announce Derek Jeter to bat (after the infamous Bob Sheppard) but he is also an industrious Junior at Minisink High School who is organizing a fast-growing fundraiser along with the Kiwanis Key Club. The goal? To fund the build out of a safe surface rubberized sports field for his Beautiful People teammates – children with disabilities who do not or cannot play mainstream team sports.
Daniel Fratto happens to also be the official sports announcer for Beautiful People, a non-profit organization which provides adaptive sports for children and young adults with disabilities who live in and around Orange County.
Beautiful People’s new spring baseball season just kicked off on May 1st with a growing roster of players and 6 full teams. Players are paired with adult and teen buddies to assist. In Daniel’s role as announcer, he has become very aware of the need for safer playing conditions for his teammates as well as locating a field they can call home. (The last two seasons of baseball have been played on fields generously provided by the Town of Wallkill Little League.)
Simultaneous to the fundraising efforts, a task force has been formed to identify ideal locations for the fully accessible sports fields and facilities. If you are aware of an opportunity for central Orange County property, please contact Jan Brunkhorst at 845-986-5944.
To register for the Walk, with an option to have friends and family pledge for your effort, contact Daniel at abeautifulfield@yahoo.com or simply come to the Minisink Valley High School track at noon on June 4th and start walking! Families are welcome and bring your friends! A suggested donation is $10. To learn more about Beautiful People’s adaptive sports programs, visit www.beautiful-people.us
Beautiful People on Horseback at Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center
Fifteen children and their families from non-profit Beautiful People enjoyed a “Barn Experience” at Winslow last Sunday. In the course of their visit, they were taught about grooming horses, and given hands-on time to do just that. With careful and trained guidance, they mounted their horses, learned commands, and strode about high and happy in the saddle. They made figure eights, and even trotted. The healthy snacks and a craft activity were just another layer of hospitality. Beautiful People provides adaptive sports for children and young adults with physical and developmental challenges. They play full seasons of baseball and soccer, spring and fall. Off-season events bring the kids together for fun and exercise. No doubt that this Winslow happening will be long remembered. Eight year old Andy Cesarz, speaking of his helper, Iris Conques, who volunteers for both of these organizations, said “Iris, my baseball buddy was helping me steer my beautiful horse, Lilly. Thank you Iris!” Andy’s mom, Christine, shared “Winslow showed such compassion, patience, and friendliness towards our children. What a fine team.” Therapeutic riding utilizes the natural movement of a horse to help riders regain physical strength, mobility, and coordination, as well as a variety of other skills that help promote independence and self-confidence. It is “Healing with Horses”
For more information on Beautiful People or to register players for baseball beginning May 1st, visit www.beautiful-people.us
To learn more about programs at Winslow, visit www.winslow.org
Beautiful People Receives Generous Donation from the William Froelich Foundation
Warwick, NY – March 9, 2011 – Beautiful People baseball players and friends gathered at Warwick Beautiful People office to receive a generous donation from the William Froelich Foundation. The $5000 gift was presented by Foundation Board Member, David Rimmer. Before Mr. Froelich’s passing a few years ago, he was a long time supporter of Pacem In Terris, frequenting Warwick from his homes in NYC and Saba Island in the Dutch Caribbean. The Foundation continues the good work that he began, supporting a wide variety of artistic, environmental and community-oriented causes.
When asked about the donation, Mr. Rimmer replied, “We know that Bill would approve of the great services being provided to these wonderful kids by Jan, Peter and the Beautiful People organization and we are very glad to be a part of it.”
Beautiful People, is a non-profit organization based which provides adaptive sports to children with disabilities. It currently provides baseball, soccer and many off-season activities throughout the year and serves over 100 families in Orange County.
To donate, volunteer or register your child for the upcoming spring baseball season, visit www.beautiful-people.us.
Price Chopper of Warwick to Host BBQ and Fun Fair to Benefit Beautiful People Adaptive Sports Programs
Warwick, NY – August 17th, 2010 – As part of its continuing “Fairgrounds” Grand Opening and special community outreach in the Warwick area, Price Chopper will host a Fun Fair and Barbecue open to the public on August 27th from 2 to 7pm. The afternoon’s proceeds will benefit Beautiful People, the adaptive sports organization for children, headquartered in Warwick, which serves all of Orange County NY as well as surrounding towns.
Bring your kids to enjoy the bounce house, games and prizes! Take your best shot to sink some familiar folks in the dunk tank or try your hand at a pie-in-the-face! Kevin Ryan, the Oakie Dokey clown will be there to add to the fun. Don’t cook dinner, just bring your appetite to take advantage of the many food booths sponsored Price Chopper, Boar’s Head and Eddie’s Road House (soon to open in Warwick).
In case of rain, the barbecue will be moved to Sunday from 11am – 4pm.
About Beautiful People:
Beautiful People is a non-profit, adaptive sports organization, founded my Peter Ladka, which now serves 100 Orange County families with special needs children. Peter, owner of Warwick software development company, Parse3, wanted to give Orange County’s Beautiful Kids an opportunity to play team sports (currently baseball and soccer) and to build bridges between these families and the broader community of Orange County. Future plans include building a fully accessible, rubberized surface ball field to more safely accommodate every child who wants to play ball! Visit www.beautiful-people.us for more information on how to help with donations.
Beautiful Embrace
When a community embraces special-needs children, it’s just another day at the ballpark for the “Beautiful People” of Orange County, N.Y.
Peter Ladka didn’t have to do any of this. He had his own business, a beautiful home, a loving wife and two perfectly healthy children. He was living the dream in bucolic Orange County, N.Y.
“The idea came to me in 2005,” Ladka recalled. “I was playing T-ball with my daughter Brooke, and thinking about how I could do something in the community. I thought, ‘How cool would it be for kids who have a difficulty or a disability and can’t be in a standard organized league to be able to play?’ I wanted to get a bunch of kids together and have a game to see how that went.”
What he discovered was a community full of people willing to lend a hand.
Five years later, the organization he founded, , has built bridges between children with disabilities and their families and the broader community in Orange County. By providing adaptive sports, currently baseball and soccer, for children ages 5 to 21, Beautiful People has given youth with special needs the same chance as mainstream children to socialize, exercise, and enjoy the benefits of team sports.
Children who used to ask why they can’t take part in activities with other kids now have a place to go that invites them into the warm embrace of not just other similar families, but the larger Orange County community — a feeling underscored by the fact that most of the volunteers do not have special needs children of their own.
The name of the organization comes from what Ladka and his other organizers wanted to express. In his words, it was a way to say, “You are beautiful people to us. We want to reach out and be a part of your lives.”
The organization’s baseball program is an affiliate chapter of the Miracle League — a national nonprofit organization that has been providing baseball for children with disabilities since 2000. Each player is paired with a “buddy,” a mainstream youth or adult volunteer, who stays with the player when he or she hits, rounds the bases and fields the ball.
Since the first official Beautiful People gathering, the game has grown from eight players, their families and 20 volunteers to over 60 players their family members and 65 volunteers.
Children taking part in the games have physical disabilities and/or developmental challenges, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, and a range within the autism spectrum. Regardless of the individual obstacles, participating as a team is rewarding for all.
Approximately 40 percent of “buddy” volunteers are local mainstream teenagers, allowing the children the chance to establish relationships with young mentors who they would never otherwise meet if not for this setting.
“What makes these games so beautiful is that no one takes anything for granted,” Ladka said. “For everybody involved, each swing is an answered prayer.”
Special-needs children from the Beautiful People organization will be paired with Yankees players, coaches and staff in a baseball game on the field at Yankee Stadium following the club’s Aug. 19, 1:05 p.m. game vs. Detroit. The Yankees, the children and their families will also enjoy an early dinner and dessert together on the field.
Sixteen year old Daniel Fratto, who is small in stature, wheels a portable oxygen tank behind him, and faces each day with physical challenges due to severe combined immune deficiency syndrome, contacted Beautiful People in the hopes of becoming involved. Though playing in a game was too demanding given his condition, he and Beautiful People found a different role for him to play — public-address announcer. He exemplifies the spirit of the organization, which values inclusion above everything else. Daniel will be joining the group on their Aug. 19 visit to Yankee Stadium.
New Board Members announced for Beautiful People
March 17, 2010, Warwick, NY Beautiful People, a non-profit organization providing adaptive sports programs for children with disabilities, has made a huge stride in solidifying their future.Five new additions to their Board of Directors were announced today. Peter Ladka, founder and Board Chairman welcomes Captain Edward DeFalcon, Peter Dowling, Alexandra Romano, William Staples, and Joseph Zaccaro. “Each have been integral supports in advancing our mission, and bring strength, expertise and determined commitment,” says Ladka.Captain Ed DeFalcon has been with the Air National Guard since 1999, and is currently responsible for 200 full-time and part-time personnel. He also runs the base process improvement office for the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart. He is the former president and treasurer of the 105th Airlift Wing Company Grade Officer Council, and has experience with AXA Financial focusing on planned giving for non-profits. He graduated with a B.S. Summa cum Laude; and an MBA distinguished with the Silberman School of Business Graduate Dean’s Award from Farleigh Dickinson University. Ed is married with two sons, 15 and 8, and resides in GoshenPete Dowling, and wife Jeanne, have been a constant hands-on support with our players and their families for Beautiful People games and events. Pete, with United Parcel Service for fourteen years, is a Senior Business Analyst. Previously as a Captain, for the NYPD (employed 22 years) he was tasked with performing medical and physical reviews and background investigations as Commanding Officer of Applicant Processing Unit. He has served as Treasurer and Pension Consultant for the Superior Officers Association, treasurer and VP of the Orange County Shields, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Washingtonville 5 WTC Firefighters Fund. The fund raised over $200,000 to erect a memorial monument honoring lost lives. Pete has been a lifelong coach for youth sports.
Joe Zaccaro served as Chairman and spearheaded the 5 WTC Firefighters Fund and memorial monument project. He brings leadership skills, having 34 years of service with IBM, currently as Manager of the Disaster Recovery Project management team, and his passion and enthusiasm are reflective in his IBM role as Spirit Leader. Joe has also coached K to grade 12 baseball, basketball and soccer and played Phillies Minor League baseball in the 70’s. He and wife, Laurie, have two sons, Joe is the Chairman of Fundraising for Beautiful People, and received their charter Vision Volunteer Award in fall of 2009, following a hugely successful dinner featuring Dwight Doc Gooden.
Alexandra Romano is the Director of Marketing for PARSE3, Peter Ladka’s Warwick based custom software development company; she serves as Marketing Committee Chair for Beautiful People. Her previous marketing experience began in 1993 with Sony Music in Production Management and Release Planning, and ended as VP of Marketing and Acquisitions for children’s division, Sony Wonder in 2000. She was also a Television Research Analyst with WBZ in Boston. Alex holds numerous professional memberships in Orange County. Her husband Paul is also an active volunteer of Beautiful People. They have two daughters, 7 and 9.
Billy Staples is an author, educator, and baseball historian. His book, Before the Glory: Baseball Heroes Talk about Turning Hard Times into Home Runs is a best seller. He has received two nominations for being Disney’s National Teacher of the Year. His encyclopedic knowledge of baseball history and statistics enable him, as a frequent speaker, to reach a vast audience and inspire children. Bill is co-founder of BEST (Building Education Support Teams) of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, a non-profit. The organization is promoting education through scholarships and mentoring, by identifying students with financial needs. Bill is also a board member of the Miracle League Chapter of Lehigh Valley, with fundraising resulting in the build-out of a fully accessible, safe surface ball park. Bill is committed to see that same park become a reality as a permanent home for Beautiful People and other adaptive sports organization in Orange County.
The Beautiful People organization was established in 2006. Baseball begins its 7th season in May, as the Orange County Chapter of Miracle League. This fall, Beautiful Kids Soccer will be added as they transition in an 8 year old, Newburgh based Challenger soccer team.
Beautiful People Honor Joe Zaccaro with Vision Volunteer Award
Warwick, NY. Beautiful People, a non-profit sports program organization for children with disabilities, presented Joe Zaccaro, with their charter recognition, the Vision Volunteer Award, at the close of the Field Of Miracles Fundraising party held Friday, October 23rd. Zaccaro is the organization’s Fundraising Committee Chair, and also emceed the hugely successful event. Major league baseball legend, Dwight “Doc” Gooden, was on board for a Q&A segment and signed autographs. Auctioneer, author, and baseball historian, Billy Staples, also captured the audience. Players and their families, as well as volunteers’ families and friends were present that night to applaud the commitment of Joe Zaccaro, who spearheaded the event. He was thanked for his tireless effort toward the mission of seeing that every child has a chance to play team sports. Joe shares the vision of founder Peter Ladka, for the build-out of a customized, fully accessible, rubberized surface ballpark. Beautiful People sponsors fall and spring seasons of baseball as the Orange County New York Chapter of Miracle League. Many will recall that Joe Zaccaro was also part of the core team of visionaries for the Washingtonville, NY 9/11 Memorial.
Doc Gooden commits continued support for Beautiful Kids Ballpark
Warwick, NY. Dwight “Doc” Gooden, legendary Mets and Yankee pitcher, delighted nearly 100 guests with a Q & A appearance at the first big fundraiser for Beautiful People, the Orange County NY Chapter of Miracle League Baseball at Anthony’s Pier 9 on Friday night, October 23rd.
He began the buzz for the auction that followed packed with baseball memorabilia, including both teams’ jerseys autographed by Doc that raised more than $300 each. Grateful founder of Beautiful People, Peter Ladka, wishes to thank Doc and bestselling author, baseball historian, Billy Staples for the excitement generated for the organization’s goal to build a ballpark in Orange County. The park, designed specifically for children with disabilities, will include a rubberized turf and will be a fully accessible sports facility that is safe and comfortable for the players and their mainstream “buddies” who work one-on-one to see that all the children get all they can out of the games. Currently baseball is played spring and fall seasons at Thomas Bull and other area parks. Monthly off-season indoor events enable Beautiful kids and their families to continue to socialize, exercise, and have FUN!
Doc showed great empathy for the organization’s cause and praised the many people who are committed to giving these children a wonderful outlet to enjoy themselves. During his remarks, Doc also credited numerous people who helped him in his formative years when he was developing into a major league talent. When asked what player he admires and likes to watch play ball, he said, “I’d have to say Jeter.” Doc is onboard with Beautiful People with future support, as is Billy Staples who donated $5 of each book sale at the evening’s event. Doc signed photos and balls and even spoke on the phone to a few supporters’ family members for a cause he that feels is truly deserving.
Warwick, NY. Dwight “Doc” Gooden, legendary Mets and Yankee pitcher, delighted nearly 100 guests with a Q & A appearance at the first big fundraiser for Beautiful People, the Orange County NY Chapter of Miracle League Baseball at Anthony’s Pier 9 on Friday night, October 23rd.
He began the buzz for the auction that followed packed with baseball memorabilia, including both teams’ jerseys autographed by Doc that raised more than $300 each. Grateful founder of Beautiful People, Peter Ladka, wishes to thank Doc and bestselling author, baseball historian, Billy Staples for the excitement generated for the organization’s goal to build a ballpark in Orange County. The park, designed specifically for children with disabilities, will include a rubberized turf and will be a fully accessible sports facility that is safe and comfortable for the players and their mainstream “buddies” who work one-on-one to see that all the children get all they can out of the games. Currently baseball is played spring and fall seasons at Thomas Bull and other area parks. Monthly off-season indoor events enable Beautiful kids and their families to continue to socialize, exercise, and have FUN!
Doc showed great empathy for the organization’s cause and praised the many people who are committed to giving these children a wonderful outlet to enjoy themselves. During his remarks, Doc also credited numerous people who helped him in his formative years when he was developing into a major league talent. When asked what player he admires and likes to watch play ball, he said, “I’d have to say Jeter.” Doc is onboard with Beautiful People with future support, as is Billy Staples who donated $5 of each book sale at the evening’s event. Doc signed photos and balls and even spoke on the phone to a few supporters’ family members for a cause he that feels is truly deserving.
Dwight “Doc” Gooden Featured at Fundraising Campaign Launch to “Build A Ballpark For Beautiful Kids”
On Friday, October 23rd, Beautiful People, the Orange County, New York Chapter of Miracle League Baseball will host its first big fundraising event. BP is a non-profit organization that provides adaptive sports programs for children with disabilities. Major Leaguer, Dwight Gooden, former New York Mets and Yankees pitcher will be a guest speaker. Doc’s career statistics include a Win-Loss record of 194-112, and 2,293 strikeouts, and his May 1996 no-hitter remains an exciting memory for fans. Gooden and Billy Staples, bestselling author and baseball historian, are on board for an evening of dinner, music, silent and live auctions, and much more!
The “Field of Miracles Fundraising Party” will be held at Anthony’s Pier 9, from 6 to 10 pm. The ultimate goal of the fundraising is to build-out a customized, rubberized, accessible ball field with dugouts, lighting, restrooms, a concession, and adjacent playground so that Beautiful People can have a home field park. The current baseball program, in spring and fall, is for children ages 5-18 with physical and/or developmental challenges, team up with non-disabled adult/peer “buddy” volunteers who assist as they hit, round bases, and field the ball. This partnership benefits both sides as they share the great American pastime to find common ground and friendships. Long term goals include expanding to other sports, such as soccer, football, and field hockey.
Dwight “Doc” Gooden and Everything Baseball at Friday night Fundraiser
The “Field of Miracles Fundraising Party” will be held at Anthony’s Pier 9, from 6 to 10 pm. Beautiful People, the Orange County Chapter of Miracle League Baseball, is host to special guest speaker, legendary major leaguer, former Yankee, Doc Gooden. Beautiful People is a non-profit organization providing sports programs for children with special needs. The dinner theme is “Build a Ballpark for Beautiful kids”. Funds raised will go directly to the effort of building out a custom, rubberized surface, fully accessible sports field to enable those children with physical disabilities and developmental challenges a level playing field, literally.
Billy Staples, baseball historian and bestselling author of Before the Glory is on board for the evening’s live auction. A silent auction is also featured, both packed with sports memorabilia. Autographed photos (16×20) will be offered up of Tom Seaver, Jon Lester, 1955 Dodger, Duke Snider and other greats. Your bid could take home a Ron Guidry signed ball or a Pete Rose and Ty Cobb commemorative certificates or a framed photo of NBA star Jason Kidd.
A Doc Gooden autograph is included with each dinner ticket. Photos of Doc and baseballs are available for purchase, or if preferred, he will sign an item you bring. Adults $75 Children $25 (age 12 and under).
New Director at bat for Beautiful People/Miracle League Baseball
Warwick, NY — August 1. 2009– Peter Ladka, founder and President of the Beautiful People Organization, announced the appointment of Jan Brunkhorst as Director. Beautiful People, a non-profit, which began in 2007, is focused on providing adaptive sports for children with disabilities. Their fifth season of baseball is planned this fall, with over 50 participating member families, established as the Orange County chapter of Miracle League.
Brunkhorst will be charged with the furthering awareness of the organization, generating funds to fuel the sports program, and to oversee on and off-season events, She brings experience as a successful entrepreneur, as VP and founder since 1989, of a Warwick- based national market recruitment firm. Previously, as division director for a business solution services company, she focused on sales, marketing and training.
“We are particularly excited about Jan’s talent to create and build. She is a networker who shares our pride for the bounty of resources in Orange County, and is eager to engage them in our goals.” Ladka said. “We look forward to a growing roster so more kids can have more fun!” Ladka added, “Our sincere thanks go to Jacque Rubino for her dedication and commitment for our mission to date, and our best wishes for her continued success.”
Miracle Baseball League For Children With Disabilities September 14 – October 19
Play ball! The Fall season of the Miracle Baseball League for children with disabilities who reside in Orange County will take place Sundays, September 14 through October 19 from 9am to 12 noon. The games will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, Forester Avenue, Warwick, NY. . The games are being sponsored by Beautiful People and co-hosted by the Orange County Department of Parks and Recreation and Inspire, Inc. Players ages 5-18, as well as volunteers ages 12 and up are wanted. No experience is necessary. Registration is required before the day of the games. Players and volunteers can participate in some or all of the games. Participation is free.
Here’s how Miracle Baseball works. Each player is paired with a “buddy”, a mainstream youth or adult volunteer, who stays with them as they hit, round the bases, and field the ball. No experience is required of the players or volunteers. A soft t-ball is used and all players in the field and at bat wear helmets that are provided for them. Bats are also provided. Players must bring their own baseball gloves. In Miracle Baseball, everyone plays, everyone hits, everyone wins.
According to Peter Ladka, founder of Beautiful People, “The children enjoy themselves tremendously. In addition to having fun, they get the physical, social, and psychological benefits that physical activity and team sports provide. There are several thousand children with disabilities in Orange County. It’s important to have as many opportunities for sports participation as possible.”
Beautiful People is a non-profit organization based in Warwick and formed in 2007. The organization provides adaptive sports for children with disabilities in Orange County, NY. Mr. Ladka says that in the future, the organization “will be building a customized, rubberized field that will make it easier for children with assistive devices to navigate and enjoy organized sports.” Long term goals include expanding to include other team sports, such as soccer, football, and field hockey.
