May 19, 2019 marked HMEA's 18th Annual incredABLE Day, our largest community event and biggest fundraiser of the year. While the day came with some clouds, wind, and a touch of rain, it also brought together hundreds of walkers, runners, volunteers, and HMEA families, dozens of community organizations and generous sponsors, and too many smiles to count!
This year, through the efforts of families supported by HMEA, our staff, and the people and organizations who donated time or valuable sponsorships, over $180,000 was raised. That's incredABLE! One hundred percent of the net proceeds will be returned directly to our programs, for each to determine how to best support the agency's mission and their program's goals, including funding regular art, horticulture, and music therapy sessions, recreational and educational community outings, assistive devices and technology, such as iPads, Amazon Echos and Dots, which help to increase independence for people with disabilities, and so much more.
Beyond the 5K race and community stroll, incredABLE Day included entertainment for the whole family. The Wellness Area featured vendors focused on physical, emotional, and financial health for those of all abilities. Entertainment for the day included a photo booth, Maggie and Clarity the clowns, a DJ playing crowd favorites and keeping the energy high, and mascots-galore, from the Cardi's Brothers, to the Massachusetts Pirates, to the New England Revolution, the Worcester Bravehearts, Nibbles Woodaway from the Big Blue Bug, and Urbie from Urban Air Bellingham.
Wally and Tessie joined the festivities and held down the fort at the Red Sox Showcase, which allowed attendees to try their best to steal second base and swing for the Green Monster in batting practice; it's always a crowd favorite! In the Kids' Corner, kids of all ages enjoyed getting their faces painted, planting seedlings, playing table games, running in the Kids' Fun Run, riding the mini train, and trying their luck at winning one of more than 70 raffle prizes.
Winners in the 50/50, Elite, and Dream raffles took home more than 100 great prizes, from gift baskets and gift cards, to concert and event tickets, and even a one-week vacation to anywhere in the world! Donuts, coffee, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, cotton candy, popcorn, and an ice cream truck kept our incredABLE participants well-fed and energized throughout the day.
On behalf of HMEA and the nearly-5,000 families we support throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we extend a sincere THANK YOU to all of the supporters of incredABLE Day! The success of this event depends on the strength of our community. The positive impacts these efforts have on the lives of the individuals and families supported by HMEA cannot be understated and, because of you, are celebrated!
Save the date for the 19th Annual incredABLE Day.
We hope to see you again on Sunday, May 17, 2020!
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