Individuals with Disabilities Help Fundraise with T-Shirt Design Competition

Oakdale, NY—Individuals with disabilities who participate in Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) Fine Art Program competed recently in a t-shirt design contest. The winning design was printed on a t-shirt as part of a unique fundraising partnership with Gallery North of East Setauket, New York. Funds raised from the sale of the t-shirts will send FREE’s Program Without Walls on a trip to Florida.

First place winner of the design contest was awarded to Nikki Santomauro; 2^nd Place to Corrine Thompson; and 3^rd Place went to Eileen Powers.

The t-shirt will be offered for sale at the gallery’s gift shop at 90 N Country Rd, East Setauket. Half the proceeds from sales will go towards FREE’s Fine Art Program. In addition, Gallery North of East Setauket generously donated printing of the t-shirts.

Photo credit: Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)

Caption: Members of FREE’s Fine Art Program display their art work for the t-shirt design contest. First place winner was awarded to from left to right: Nikki Santomauro; 2^nd Place to Corrine Thompson; and 3^rd Place went to Eileen Powers.

Back Row Left to right Glyn Evans, Senior Habilitation Specialist, FREE, Leigh Boden, Community Habilitation Specialist, FREE and Rob Melnick, Assistant Vice President, Community Services, FREE.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), founded in 1977, benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

The FREE Network collaborates with a variety of diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners on educational, vocational, rehabilitative and a myriad of other creative initiatives to enhance the local communities and the lives of more than 35,000 people that reside within them. Each of the valued partners of the FREE Network has a unique mission, vision and strategic goals that are aligned in purpose, and embody the spirit of the meaningful work we do every day. For more information, please call 516-870-1614 or visit www.familyres.org.