Participants in the “Dive to Make a Difference” skydive-a-thon held at Skydive the Ranch in Gardiner, NY on May 12, 2007 to benefit United Spinal Association’s Sports & Recreation Department. The fundraising event was organized by Denise Zayas (left), Administrative Assistant for Marketing & Communications. United Spinal is a national disability rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Proceeds from the $1,910 raised during the event will help fund wheelchair sports programs nationwide.

Supporters of United Spinal Association from left to right: Denise Zayas of Flushing, Queens; Riquermy “Ricky” Ventura of Maspeth, Queens; Erin O’Shaughnessy of Maspeth, Queens; Kevin O’Shaughnessy (Erin’s father) of College Point, Queens; and Kelly Franco of Maspeth Queens.

“I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to work for an organization that I actually believed in,” said Zayas. “I will definitely be skydiving again next year.”

Denise Zayas skydives to raise money for United Spinal Association.

For more information about “Dive to Make a Difference” or to make a pledge, please visit www.divetomakeadifference.com or call 800.404.2898, ext. 278. Inquiries can also be emailed to dzayas@unitedspinal.org.

United Spinal Association is committed to providing expertise, creating access to resources and strengthening hope, thereby enabling people with spinal cord injuries and disorders to fulfill their potential as active members of their communities. Guided by the belief that the benefits of athletic competition are no different for athletes with disabilities than for those without disabilities, the Association sponsors a wide variety of wheelchair recreational and adaptive sports programs. Membership in United Spinal is free and open to all individuals with spinal cord disabilities. For more information, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call our toll-free number, 800-404-2898.