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UCP Kids Spread Their Wings at Fort Lauderdale Fly Day

Challenge Air For Kids and Friends, a Dallas based not-for-profit organization, hosted a free day of flying for physically challenged children from the South Florida area on Saturday, January 28th. The kids, their friends and families were invited to participate in a 30 minute flight over the greater Ft. Lauderdale area in a small airplane.

More than 160 children participated and, one enthusiastic flyer, UCP pre-school graduate Amanda Speer, flew for the third time! Amanda was just one of the UCP kids who participated in this annual event, which inspires physically challenged and seriously ill children through aviation. The pilots, some of whom are physically challenged, volunteered their time so that everyone who signed up got a chance to fly.

In addition to the fun and excitement of their airplane flights, the kids were able to have their faces painted, sing karaoke, and visit display booths of the various organizations represented there. The UCP booth was a favorite with each special visitor receiving a UCP Ability Bear!

Are You A Uniquely Caring Person?
You can help UCP enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities in our South Florida community by serving as a Table Captain for a “Share and Care” fundraising luncheon in your area. Table Captains host a group of 8 to 10 guests they have invited to attend a one hour event, featuring a heartwarming and upbeat presentation about the possibilities for, and potential of, children and adults who face physical and mental challenges. And how United Cerebral Palsy works to help the special individuals we serve to achieve their dreams.

Guests who wish to support UCP’s work will have the opportunity to make a contribution at the event, but no donation is required, and there is no cost to attend.

For more information about being a Table Captain, or attending a “Share and Care” luncheon, contact your local UCP office at (305) 325-9018 (Miami-Dade), (954) 315-4057 (Broward) or (561)357-7779 (Palm Beach). Please call today!

“The Ringer” Star Thrills UCP Consumers With Visit

Consumers in the UCP adult vocational program in Fort Lauderdale were in for a real treat when Edward Barbanell, one of the stars of the movie “The Ringer” paid them a recent visit.

Edward Barbanell, a young man with Down syndrome from Coral Springs, has always had the theater bug. When he heard about an audition opportunity for the film, he went and landed the part of Billy. Edward spoke about his experiences working on the film, and his big moment arriving in a stretch limo at the movie premiere. The more than 60 UCP consumers present were thrilled to have a Hollywood star visiting them! Edward was very inspirational and motivating, and delighted in telling his excited audience that “anything you want to do, you can”.

  “The Ringer" is a comedy about a man (played by Johnny Knoxville) who poses as a mentally challenged person in order to fraudulently enter the Special Olympics. Because his uncle is wanted by gangsters for past-due loans, the uncle thinks he can win a lot of money by placing bets on a normal person posing as disabled person. “The Ringer” is playing in theaters now.

Team Reardon A Big Hit at ING Miami Marathon

When UCP dad Michael Reardon decided to train for a marathon, he had three goals in mind: to bring his son Matthew along for a rewarding personal experience, to raise awareness about the needs and potential of special children, and to raise funds for UCP. More…

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