POUGHKEEPSIE – Countless residents throughout Dutchess County have chosen to #ThinkDIFFERENTLY and enhance the lives of those living with special needs. Those contributions will be recognized at Dutchess Stadium in early August, with the presentation of the “Pulling Each Other Along” Award, part of the third annual Disability, Dream & Do (D3) baseball weekend for children and young adults of every ability.
Through Monday, July 29, nominations are being accepted for the “Pulling Each Other Along” Award, which recognizes the notable contributions of those who have selflessly helped others in the disability community. Presented by the Dave Clark Foundation, the award is a highlight of the D3 weekend at Dutchess Stadium, which includes a free baseball camp for those with special needs on Saturday, Aug. 3 and the award presentation on Sunday, Aug. 4 prior to the Hudson Valley Renegades’ game against the visiting West Virginia Black Bears.
“We in Dutchess County are fortunate to have so many who assist our friends and neighbors with disabilities reach their full potential,” said County Executive Marcus Molinaro. “While these dedicated men and women often work in relative anonymity, the ‘Pulling Each Other Along’ Award is a great opportunity to recognize the amazing work they do each day. We look forward to receiving many nominations for the award and honoring the tremendous efforts of those in our special-needs community.”
The award is presented by the Dave Clark Foundation, which operates the D3 Baseball Weekend. The foundation’s co-founder, Corning native Dave Clark, was diagnosed with polio as a child and needed the assistance of crutches and leg braces to walk. As a first-grader, Mr. Clark was filled with anxiety when his class was scheduled to take a field trip, walking several blocks away from their school. A classmate selflessly brought his Radio Flyer wagon to pull Mr. Clark along alongside his classmates. The “Pulling Each Other Along” Award is a testament to the generosity and altruism of those, like Mr. Pound, who contribute to special-needs community.
