March 9, 2020
Thank You!
Greetings!

Thank you for joining the  Golisano Foundation , Best Buddies New York , and Special Olympics New York and making our first-ever Festival of Inclusion and our 11th annual Spread the Word Inclusion day a great success! Thousands of people are benefitting from your hard work and commitment to spreading dignity and compassion in all aspects of our daily lives .

Now, let's continue the movement to encourage others to pledge to respect, accept and advocate for inclusive words and actions to end discrimination of individuals with intellectual disabilities. It starts with each of us – at home, at work, at school, at play, and in our communities – to value and respect everyone and include them in our lives. No one wants to be excluded. We have so much to learn from people who have different abilities and interests. Together we can make a world of difference.

Ann Costello
Executive Director, Golisano Foundation
About the Golisano Foundation – The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader, and founder and chairman of Paychex, Inc. —the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $55 million in gross assets and awards about $3 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

About Special Olympics New York  - Celebrating its 50 th  anniversary, Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 67,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 170 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit specialolympicsNY.org .

Best Buddies International  is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).