News

[photo provided by the Hyde Collection] SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – June 23, 2025 -- The Dake Foundation for Children has announced five nonprofit organizations that have been selected as recipients of the most recent funding round of their Community Grant program. Founded by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, the Foundation has provided grants to local children with disabilities since 2009 with a focus on inclusion, independence, and fun. In addition to the individual support the organization provides, the Community Grant program provides assistance to local 501c3 nonprofit organizations seeking to make their spaces or programming more accessible and inclusive.   “Since the launch of this program two years ago, we have provided nearly $85,000 of support to 17 local nonprofits,” said Executive Director Sarah Burns of the program. “It has been so rewarding to watch this program grow, and to see the impact we can have on a large scale. We feel grateful to partner with so many incredible organizations who are committed to accessibility and inclusion.”   The Dake Foundation for Children’s Community Grants Program recipients are:  

• Camp Abilities, Saratoga Springs, NY – Funding will support activities at their Skidmore summer camp program for youth who are blind or visually impaired
• The Hyde Collection, Glens Falls, NY - Funding will support the organization’s Hyde and Seek inclusive art programming
• Northeast Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA), Albany, NY – Funding will support their Goalball program, a Paralympic sport
• Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Saratoga Springs, NY – Funding will provide a sensory room and materials as part of their All-Access Nights inclusive programming
• Shredders MTB, Saratoga Springs, NY – Funding will provide training for mountain biking coaches to better support youth with special needs

  The Dake Foundation for Children held their recent “Boots & Bourbon” event on May 28th, 2025 on the grounds of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Over 400 attendees gathered to raise nearly $240,000 to help fund future Dake Foundation grants that benefit local children and young adults with disabilities. The Foundation will hold their annual golf tournament on Friday, October 3^rd at Van Patten Golf Club.   For more information on their events, grant programs, or to learn more about the Dake Foundation for Children, please visit their website at http://www.dakefoundation.org.   The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to help children with disabilities access opportunities unavailable through medical insurance and family budgets. Their goal is to provide children with disabilities access to equipment and services that will give them more opportunities for participation within their families, communities, and with their peers.   ###

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – April 7, 2025 -- The Dake Foundation for Children has announced six nonprofit organizations that have been selected as recipients of the most recent funding round for their Community Grant program. Founded by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, the Foundation has provided grants to local children with disabilities since 2009 with a focus on inclusion, independence, and fun. In addition to the individual support the organization provides, the Community Grant program provides assistance to local 501c3 nonprofit organizations seeking to make their spaces or programming more accessible and inclusive.   “We truly view our Community Grant recipients as partners,” said Executive Director Sarah Burns. “We love to support organizations who have been living and breathing inclusion for years, but we are also here for guidance when they’re not sure where to start in terms of increasing their accessibility. Our community is a better place when all kids have the same opportunities, and we are proud to support it in every way that we can.”  

  The Dake Foundation for Children’s Community Grants Program recipients are:  

• All Abilities Productions, Queensbury, NY – Funding will support inclusive youth theater programming
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, Glens Falls, NY - Funding will support individuals with disabilities participating in their Group Mentoring program
• Breakthrough T1D, Albany, NY – Funding will support their Connections program, providing education and community for children and young adults navigating Type 1 diabetes
• Double H Ranch, Lake Luzerne, NY – Funding will support their Adaptive Winter Sports program, providing safe skiing and snowboarding opportunities for children with disabling conditions
• Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY, Albany, NY – Funding will provide socialization and community support for children and young adults diagnosed with epilepsy
• STRIDE Adaptive Sports, West Sand Lake, NY – Funding will support their Learn to Bowl program, allowing children with disabilities to participate in the sport safely with their peers

  The Dake Foundation for Children funds their grants by holding events open to the public throughout the year. Their next event is “Boots & Bourbon,” taking place on May 28th, 2025 on the grounds of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. They are currently accepting sponsorships, the funds from which will provide opportunities for local children with disabilities to enjoy more independence, inclusion, and fun.   For more information on the event, their grant programs, or to learn more about the Dake Foundation for Children, please visit their website at http://www.dakefoundation.org.   The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to help children with disabilities access opportunities unavailable through medical insurance and family budgets. Their goal is to provide children with disabilities access to equipment and services that will give them more opportunities for participation within their families, communities, and with their peers. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – January 13, 2025 -- The Dake Foundation for Children has announced their 2025 Board of Directors slate, welcoming three new members to its ranks. Founded in 2009 by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, the Foundation provides grants to benefit local children with disabilities with a focus on independence, inclusion, and fun.   The Dake Foundation’s Board, comprised of 16 community volunteers, will welcome Christina Cicardi – Health Benefit Manager for Stewart’s Shops, Rachel Dunn - Regional Director for the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Ian Townsend – Eastern NY Territory Manager for NBT Bank.   “This work is beyond fulfilling, making smiles happen for children across the Capital Region is an amazing feeling,” Board President Nancy Bambara shared of her experience. “We have a great group with diverse skills sets and backgrounds, and we are excited to hit the ground running in 2025.”   Executive Director Sarah Burns had this to say of the new additions to the Board: “As we continue to grow and evolve, I feel so much gratitude for the way we all come together for this mission. We all love the work that we do and the positive impacts for the incredible kids that we serve, and we are excited to welcome these three talented individuals to the team.”   To view the full 2025 Board of Directors line up or to learn more about the Dake Foundation for Children, please visit their website at http://www.dakefoundation.org.     The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to help children with disabilities access opportunities unavailable through medical insurance and family budgets. Their goal is to provide children with disabilities access to equipment and services that will give them more opportunities for participation within their families, communities, and with their peers.

Executive Director Sarah Burns sat down with host and VP of Marketing and Communications for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce to talk about the Dake Foundation's mission, their new community grant program, and their impact in our region. The organization has experienced a lot of growth over the past year, and has made some great strides! [audio mp3="https://www.dakefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/9-15-24-Dake-Foundation.mp3"][/audio]

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – June 18, 2024 -- The Dake Foundation for Children has announced the names of four nonprofit organizations that successfully earned support from the Foundation’s Community Grant Fund. Founded by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, the organization has provided grants to support local children with disabilities since 2009 with a focus on inclusion, independence, and fun. The Foundation, which recently packed the SPAC lawn with over 400 guests for their annual fundraiser, has provided support to ten local agencies since the Community Grant program launched one year ago. Funding is aimed to provide assistance to area nonprofits seeking to make their programs and spaces more inclusive and accessible. The recipients for this round of funding are as follows: - BluePath Service Dogs – Funding will support their Autism Service Dog program, which provides service dogs that prevent elopement and promote safety in public spaces for children with autism - Camp Abilities – Funding will support their annual residential sports camp at Skidmore that serves youth who are blind/experience low vision - CAPTAIN Community Human Services – Funding will support staff training to make their programs (youth shelter, street outreach, Peace Camp) and interactions with at-risk youth more inclusive - Saratoga Shredders – Funding will support expanding their existing Learn to Ride program for elementary school students to include students with cognitive and developmental disabilities “We are proud to support these incredibly worthy projects, and to see what an impact we can have within just one year is inspiring,” Executive Director Sarah Burns said of the announcement. “Navigating the world of disability can be overwhelming, and we’re grateful to share our collective knowledge and experience to help organizations take the best path towards accessibility for all children.”   [caption id="attachment_784" align="aligncenter" width="211"] Gary & Aimee Dake with service dog, Hope (photo provided by BluePath Service Dogs)[/caption]   To apply, donate, or to learn more about the Dake Foundation for Children, please visit their website at http://www.dakefoundation.org. The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to help children with disabilities access opportunities unavailable through medical insurance and family budgets. Their goal is to provide children with disabilities access to equipment and services that will give them more opportunities for participation within their families, communities, and with their peers.

  SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – March 21, 2024 -- The Dake Foundation for Children has announced that five nonprofit organizations have been selected as the inaugural recipients of their newly formed Community Grants program. Founded by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, the Foundation has provided grants to local children with disabilities since 2009 with a focus on inclusion, independence, and fun. In 2023, the organization announced plans to increase its impact by supporting local 501c3 nonprofit organizations seeking to make their spaces or programming more accessible and inclusive.   “In this first-time effort, our board of directors was so impressed with the thoughtful proposals we reviewed,” said Dake Foundation for Children Executive Director Sarah Burns. “Our nonprofit partners are invested in the betterment of our community and know firsthand the positive impact their spaces and programs will have with increased accessibility. Together, we are building more opportunities for all community members to experience independence, empowerment, and dignity.”   The Dake Foundation for Children’s Community Grants Program recipients are:  

• Double H Ranch, Lake Luzerne, NY – Funding will support their Winter Adaptive Sports Program, providing winter recreation opportunities for children ages 6-16 with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.
• Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL), Queensbury, NY – Funding will be used to purchase Access Trax, equipment that makes events, beaches, parks, and other outdoor venues more accessible for wheelchair users.
• Bring On The Spectrum, Albany, NY – Funding will support equipment and other necessities for their Autism Fitness Program.
• Wilton Emergency Squad, Saratoga Springs, NY – Funding will purchase “Carter’s Kits” that contain items designed to help soothe and calm children with varying communication and sensory needs during their interactions with first responders.
• Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Early Intervention, Bennington, VT – Funding will support the purchase of audiology equipment that will detect hearing loss in young children.

  This year, the Dake Foundation for Children is celebrating 15 years of service to the community, culminating in an anniversary celebration fundraiser on May 29, 2024 on the grounds of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.   For more information on the event, their grant programs, or to learn more about the Dake Foundation for Children, please visit their website at http://www.dakefoundation.org.

Executive Director Sarah Burns sat down with Amanda Blanton of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce for an interview discussion the Foundation's mission, programming, and upcoming events. Click play below to listen to the full interview! https://www.dakefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4-30-23-Dake-Foundation.mp3  

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – July, 13, 2022 -- The Board of Directors for the Dake Foundation for Children has announced a new executive director, Sarah Burns. She brings more than 15 years of non-profit experience to the Foundation, and her leadership has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for organizations across the Upstate region. For more than a decade, The Dake Foundation for Children has been helping local children with physical disabilities have more fun and independence. Founder Gary Dake, President of Stewart's Shops, realized that health insurance would fund “medical necessities” but would not approve recreational equipment or activities, and he vowed to work to close that gap. Since then, the Foundation has helped connect more than 330 children with adaptive bikes, tricycles, swings, strollers, and communication tools that allow them to have the fun, carefree experiences that every child deserves. "The Dake Foundation's mission and the families they serve have truly captured my heart," Burns said. "I feel a great responsibility toward ensuring that this incredible work continues, and I look forward to working with the Board on behalf of these very deserving kids." Burns will assume day-to-day operations for the organization and will lead their fundraising, marketing, and community engagement initiatives. "Sarah has worked closely with the Foundation over the last year and has demonstrated a passion for our mission which will serve her and the Foundation well moving forward," said Dake. For more information on the Dake Foundation and for the latest updates, visit www.dakefoundation.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. About the Dake Foundation for Children: The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to help children with disabilities access opportunities unavailable through medical insurance and family budgets. Their goal is to provide children with disabilities access to equipment and services that will enable them to reach their fullest potential for participation within their families, communities, and with their peers.

Play is essential to your child’s development. For children who are on the autism spectrum, play can be even more important for adapting sensory processes and enhancing social skills. This is why setting up dedicated spaces for children to play inside and outside of the home is also crucial to their health and well-being. In terms of outside of the home, the safest spot for play is often the backyard. For parents who want to create a secure and accessible backyard for their children, these top resources will also be essential.

Accessibility Tips for Backyards

Children who are on the autism spectrum can have varying degrees of developmental and physical disabilities, and their backyards should accommodate each one.

• For parents who are starting from scratch, pouring wider walkways and adding ramps to decks may be necessary if their children are living with limited mobility.
• In addition to accommodations for mobility, parents should also think about backyard features that are sensory-friendly, including landscaping that reduces noise.
• Finally, in order to prevent children who are on the spectrum from wandering off, parents should research “fence companies near me” to get a secure fence installed.

Accessibility Tips for Play Equipment

In addition to creating accessible spaces, parents of children who are on the spectrum should also look for toys and equipment that will accommodate their child’s special needs.

• Buying an accessible playhouse can elevate any backyard and provide a shaded sanctuary when children need a break.
• Elevated sandboxes are another accessible outdoor option for parents to consider.
• For children with visual impairments, adding tactile tape to playground equipment can make these areas safer and more accessible.

Sensory-Friendly Play Resources

As stated above, play is a core need for all children, and parents of children who are on the spectrum should find sensory-friendly and accessible outdoor activities for their backyards.

• The meaning of “sensory-friendly” can be a bit perplexing for parents of newly diagnosed children but this term simply means that sensitivities have been taken into consideration.
• Backyard science experiments are a good example of sensory-friendly outdoor play, and these activities can be educational as well.
• Filling small pools with blankets and toys can also be a sensory-friendly outdoor activity.
• Additionally, ball pits can provide sensory comfort for children on the spectrum.

Backyard Health and Safety Tips

Installing ramps and a fence can prevent injuries in children on the spectrum, but there are also more routine health and safety measures that parents will want to take in their backyards.

• The risk of accidental drowning is exponentially greater for children with Autism, so it’s vital that parents supervise children even when small amounts of water are present.
• Regular cleaning of play equipment and toys, including tents and tunnels, will prevent children from being exposed to potentially harmful germs and bacteria.
• Parents should also check their backyards for hazards, including poisonous plants, toxic garden chemicals and potentially dangerous tools.

We hope the resources in this guide will help you put together a backyard that your children can’t wait to spend time in each day! Getting outside for some fresh air can support the health of your entire family. The Dake Foundation for Children is dedicated to providing children with disabilities the tools they need to become independent and enjoy life. Learn how you can support our mission. Photo Credit: Pixabay

We would like to thank you for approving Ryan’s adaptive swing! Now that spring is here we put it up and it’s perfect. He loves it. Thank you again for all that you do for families like ours. We really appreciate it. Happy Spring. Love, Ryan and The Keefe Family