United Cerebral Palsy of Hudson County had its annual "VIP Breakfast" for key contributors and sponsors Wednesday morning in North Bergen, but the event was more a way to inform the community of the positive programs that the 50-year-old organization is doing to help individuals with disabilities.
According to UCP Executive Director Nick Starita, the organization has big plans for the future, including an innovative fundraising program called "The Promise Walk" in which participants can have engraved bricks with special messages of inspiration placed around the perimeter of the UCP headquarters on Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen.
"The Promise Walk will enhance our vibrant new image," Starita said. "I don’t think we’ve ever had a more eloquent way of saying ‘Thank you.’ The Promise Walk will be a permanent memorial. It’s a pet project of mine and gives everyone that has been important to UCP the opportunity to be with us for a long, long time."
The engraved bricks will be featured throughout the premises of UCP and will remain permanently.
Because of the Promise Walk program, Starita did away with presenting the sponsors and donors with awards at the annual breakfast. Those who help UCP will receive bricks in the Promise Walk instead.
Not only was the breakfast a chance to unveil the plans for the Promise Walk, but it was also a chance for UCP’s best supporters to get an update on several of the programs that UCP has instituted in the recent months.
"So much has happened since we’ve last been together," Starita told the audience of approximately 150 contributors. "It seems like nothing will ever be the same again."
The usually energetic Starita was in a somewhat subdued mood because of the events of Sept. 11.
"American people are always caring and always united," Starita said. "That unity is the reason why UCP has delivered so many services for so many people."
The organization is planning to expand its store in Bayonne, where the general public can purchase items produced by UCP clients. There is a new daycare center in Jersey City for children with disabilities.
There is a new greenhouse in North Bergen, where clients can grow their plants and flowers, in order to turn around and sell them to the general public. There is also a new computer lab at the North Bergen headquarters, that is not only being used by UCP clients, but also the general public.
The computer lab, funded through a grant spearheaded by Hudson County Community College, is open to the general community Monday through Friday from 4-8 p.m.
There are also plans underway to build two group homes for the very medically frail and physically challenged clients.
"That will enable us to bring 50 to 70 more clients into North Bergen," said Starita, who is also looking to move the administrative offices to Bayonne to create more space for the prospective clients.
Migdalia Viole, a past president of UCP of Hudson County and currently a member of the Board of Directors, spoke of what the services have meant to both the clients and the community.
"We’re experiencing tremendous growth in our 50th anniversary," Viole said. "All of these programs point to greater inclusion in the general community. We’re proving that individuals with disabilities have assets that need to be cultivated. The people who are here are the ones who make things happen with their generosity and care."
Some of the local businesses, civic organizations and clubs stepped forward to offer donations. For instance, the minor league baseball team the New Jersey Jackals, who play each summer at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State, presented a check for $3,700.
The donation was part of the team’s "DPs for CP" program, where the Jackals donated $50 for every double play the team turned during the season. A fan and friend of UCP matched each dollar, which brought the grand total to nearly $4,000. Ken Yundman, the director of corporate sales for the Jackals and owner Floyd Hall Enterprises, was on hand Wednesday to present Starita with the check.
"It gives our friends a chance to socialize and know that they’re a major part of our wants and needs," Starita said. "It also shows who’s really involved. This is a good day for them."