For Immediate Release

Contact:
Kristen B. Leone
Easter Seals
312.551.7147
www.easterseals.com/media

Easter Seals Recognizes Local Affiliates for Excellence in Comprehensive Development

Easter Seals Southeastern Pennsylvania and Easter Seals/UCP North Carolina Receive National Award

(Chicago, May 1, 2007) -- Today, Easter Seals awarded two of its local affiliates with the Excellence in Comprehensive Development Award in the category of Most Successful Walk With Me during the organization’s annual training conference currently being held in Chicago. Easter Seals Southeastern Pennsylvania and Easter Seals/UCP North Carolina were both honored for their commitment to growing a strong program.

“The approach these two affiliates have taken to incorporating new stewardship techniques, attracting new participants, and raising more money has elevated their Walk With Me events to the best of the best among Easter Seals affiliates,” said Elgin Manhurd, Chairman, Easter Seals International Board of Directors.

About Walk With Me
Walk With Me is Easter Seals’ national signature event -- a fun, family fitness walk held in nearly 50 markets each year to raise awareness and funds to support local Easter Seals services for children and adults living with autism and other disabilities. This year, Easter Seals Southeastern Pennsylvania raised nearly $116,000 from its Walk, in Philadelphia, successfully communicating with donors the impact their gifts made for people with disabilities and other special needs.

Easter Seals/UCP North Carolina raised $105,000 through its Walk event in Charlotte, working closely with hundreds of individual donors, participants and corporate sponsors.

About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. For more than 85 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.