Farmingville Nonprofit Wins $25K To Create Playground For Disabled Children

FARMINGVILLE — League of Yes, a nonprofit, won a $25,000 grant from the insurance company State Farm on Thursday. The organization is one of four in New York that received funds after 88,000 people cast more than 2 million votes in support of their favorite causes over the course of 10 days.

The charity, which has a mission to establish and sustain baseball programs for people of all abilities and ages, will use the funds to support an handicap-accessible playground for disabled children, according to the organization.

“Our local kids will benefit from fun, inclusive playground equipment, such as swings and moving bridges that accommodate wheelchairs,” Kristine Fitzpatrick, League of Yes executive director said in a statement. “In addition to playtime, the children will learn social skills that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. Socialization is the biggest hurdle, especially for children on the spectrum. Playgrounds help children socialize, build confidence, create independence and make friends.”

Oakdale State Farm Agent Chris D’Amico, who presented the check during the organization’s final day of spring baseball at the Brookhaven Amphitheater, located at 1 Ski Run Lane, was excited for the organization.

“Their ability to earn enough support to win this grant demonstrates the strength of our community and passion for providing an inclusive space for all children to play,” D’Amico said in a statement. “At State Farm, we believe all young people deserve the support that will help them reach their greatest potential and lead successful, fulfilling lives.”

Four thousand cause submissions were accepted in February at www.neighborhoodassist.com, according to the insurance company and the State Farm Review Committee selected the top 200 finalists, which public voting determined the top 100. In the eleven years of the program, nearly 500 causes have received a total of $12.5 million to enact change in their communities.