The CP Ability Hero Award is an honor bestowed on allies from the CP network who have demonstrated a sustaining commitment to our mission and the people we support.
Created in 2024, the Award comes with a spot on the new Award Wall at CP Unlimited administrative offices in New York City and the Hudson Valley and the acknowledgement and gratitude of the entire 3,000+ CPU family of staff and persons supported.
Learn more about our winners below:
2024: New York State Senator Pete Harckham
Pictured with CP’s Joseph M. Pancari and Penny Pagliaro
From regular bowling events at local lanes to more substantial legislative endeavors and direct funding of innovative programs, Senator Harckham has been a strong booster for the organization. He has contributed both time and effort, the most notable of which is the ‘Traveling with Dignity’ Act which seeks to mandate height-adjustable adult changing tables in public venues across New York State- scheduled for reintroduction to the New York State Senate and House in 2025. Most recently, the Senator gave proclamations to four of the Agency’s self-advocates in honor of their work inspiring and lobbying for the Act, among other accessibility improvements.
The awards committee made a unanimous decision to present the first of its kind to Senator Pete. “Whether he is fighting to make sure there is proper funding for us in the field or working on the ‘Traveling with Dignity ‘ Act, he tirelessly works for us. He has been so generous with his time and devotion and dedication- at the bowling alley and everywhere else. You are our CP Ability Hero and we are so happy to call you a friend. Thank you so much ,” said Penny Pagliaro, Executive Director of CP Unlimited- Hudson Valley.
“It is me who should be thanking all of you for enriching my life. When we met a couple years ago, who knew we would go on this voyage we have gone on together. It has been uplifting to work with you and to see the work you do and your dedication…I am really touched. We will continue on and we have more legislative work to do, and more bowling to do ,” said Senator Pete.
See our Senator Slideshow:
