Bubel Aiken Foundation Announces 2008 Grant Recipients

The Bubel Aiken Foundation is doling out more than half a million dollars in funding support to non-profit organizations across America, as it does every year. The funding is being supplied as part of the BAF's Let's ALL Play program, which expanded to support 30 camps this year. The BAF posted this news release on their website. A full list of organizations receiving support can be found here.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Announces 2008 Grant Recipients

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is thrilled to announce over $500,000 in grants to support programs nationwide as part of the Foundation’s Let’s ALL Play program.

This is an exciting development in the Foundation’s goal to expand Let’s ALL Play. The Foundation will support over 30 recreational programs in 2008. Programs receive a program model and Foundation training in addition to grant funding. Because of the Foundation’s support, children across the country will participate in inclusive programs for the first time.

Let's ALL Play brings an inclusive recreational experience to children with disabilities by giving them the same experience as children without. Children come together to participate in activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service, and physical fitness. The Foundation is also excited to announce grant partnerships with Best Buddies International, The Dancing Wheels Company and School, and LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program.

The goal of Let’s ALL Play is to assist child and youth organizations in moving toward full inclusion. In 2004, the inclusive recreational experience for children with and without disabilities was instituted by the Foundation in collaboration with several summer camp programs run by the YMCA. Through the pilot program phase, the Foundation worked with professionals in education, recreation, and camp administration to develop the Let’s ALL Play model. Recreational sites now have a tested, successful, comprehensive program model supported through the Foundation’s training module.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation looks to create communities where ALL children can learn, live, and play together. With over 30 programs in 2008 implementing inclusive programs, the Foundation will take a big step toward that goal. It is because of the continued support of dedicated volunteers and the assistance of new supporters that the Foundation was able to make this possible.

“We’re very excited about the opportunities these grants will bring to so many children. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is proud to support the efforts of organizations across the country as they move toward full inclusion,” said Clay Aiken.