More than 400 supporters gathered at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 for KEENFest an evening of food, friends and fundraising, all to benefit KEEN’s programs across the greater DC area. The silent auction featured a wide array of items ranging from sports memorabilia signed by Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods, to trips to the Bahamas, Las Vegas, a NYC trip with VIP tickets to a Today Show Concert, a weekend package to the NBA All-Star Game, plus jewelry in all styles and price ranges. KEENFest received enormous support from more than 75 corporate and individual sponsors. The highlight of the evening was a live presentation by parents and coaches—KEEN at 15—that celebrated 15 years of KEEN in the DC area and described the impact KEEN has on athletes, families and volunteers.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the level of support for our 7th annual KEENFest. We raised more than $140,000-- exceeding our goal for this event! Because of the generous support of our sponsors, auction donors, and guests, we will be able to continue KEEN’s mission of providing sports and recreational activities for young people with disabilities at no cost to their families,” said KEENFest Co-Chair Estee Portnoy.

“The growth of KEEN’s programs in Southeast, DC, while continuing to provide thirteen recreation and sports programs ranging from basketball to swimming to music and dance each weekend has meant an exciting and work-filled year for KEEN,” Sheila Sankaran, KEENFest Co-Chair and KEEN Board Member added.

Susan C. Hartung, KEEN Board Member and Parent was honored with the first ever Founder’s Award. “Because of Sue’s vision, passion, commitment to kids with disabilities and unwillingness to accept ‘no’ for an answer, hundreds of young people with disabilities now have access to organized sports activities nationwide,” said Elliott Portnoy, Founder of KEEN.

“KEEN makes it possible for children with any type of disability including significant challenges such as autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome to be part of the KEEN Team. And, like any team or club, KEEN provides opportunities for kids to learn how to socialize and get along with each other. I think that’s been KEEN’s greatest benefit to our son Scott,” added Kate Hurson, KEEN Parent, during the KEEN at 15 presentation.

Don Rosenstein, President of KEEN’s Board of Directors noted that “KEEN truly levels the playing field for children with disabilities by accepting every child, but it also does this for their families as we do not charge for our programs. Everyone can be on the KEEN team. It doesn’t get much better than that. We have been able to keep our programs free of charge thanks to the sustained support of many generous donors, including many of tonight’s guests and sponsors. Thanks to all of you, KEEN will continue our innovative programs for the next 15 years and beyond!”

Rosenstein and KEEN’s Executive Director, Beata Okulska, honored two outstanding volunteers for their exceptional contributions. Maria Blake and Colin Christian each received Volunteer of the Year awards for helping to launch and coordinate KEEN Swim at the Rumsey Aquatic Center in Southeast, DC.

The evening ended with a raffle for a plasma TV provided by A.B.E. Networks. “This special evening was our most successful KEENFest ever due to the generosity of our sponsors and auction donors and the phenomenal effort of many people including the KEENFest Committee, KEEN’s Board of Directors and each and every volunteer who helped us during the last six months,” said Suzanne Mazer, KEENFest Co-Chair.

KEEN especially thanks our Sponsors:

KEENFest 2007 Photos