STRIDE often develops or participates in special events or activities. Events are developed as needed, and promote all the educational goals of the organization.

Whitewater Rafting

Sunday June 8th, 2008, a group of STRIDE Athletes will meet in North Creek, New York at 9:15 to maneuver the rapids of the upper Hudson River.  Due to the massive amount of snow runoff this year, White Water Challengers has requested kids between ages 12-21 who are  more physically able and can swim, attend.  If you are interested, please call the STRIDE office at 518-598-1279 or email Debbie at debersold@stride.org for registration.  A current STRIDE application and credit card number must be on file.   

Every spring, we host a  whitewater rafting trip for up to 32 people. This trip is donated in part, by Whitewater Challengers of North Creek, NY. Marko Schmale, Director of North Creeks rafting business, is a long time friend of Mary Ellen Whitney, STRIDE CEO. His generous contribution in reducing the trip cost, for a ride down the upper Hudson River for our kids and parents, insists on a great time for us and includes the best steak BBQ after returning from the river.

Parent Meeting

In August of 2002, we hosted a Parent Meeting, an informative educational lecture on STRIDE, including topics of Disability awareness, future issues, and resources. The keynote address was given by Brian McLane, NYS Assistant Commissioner for Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), who is an honorary board member for STRIDE.

New York City Fund-raiser

On September 11, 2001, Larry Sumaya , avid skier and member of the Diamond Dogs Ski Club in NYC, perished in the World Trade Center. His memory lives on through the efforts of his friends in New York City. Each spring, Alison Nagler, a close friend of Larry's  honors his memory by hosting a dinner to benefit STRIDE. Alison knew the work of STRIDE through her friendship with Peter Corsi, longtime STRIDE volunteer, now living in NYC. This event typically raises in excess of $2,500, and in 2006 purchased a new equipment shed at Catamount Ski Area. A plaque now commemorates the shed with Larry's name on it. 

Teen Dances

The first annual "STRIDE Sweetheart Dance" was held on Friday, February 14, 2003. This first time event was sponsored by and held at the Albany Airport Best Western in Colonie, featuring DJ "Wild" Winn Huntley. Also featured were an entourage of  swing dancers to demonstrate dance skills and help the kids learn too.

The Teen dances are now held annually, and in 2006 two dances were successfully demonstrated, a Harvest Ball at Columbia High and the Valentine's Day Dance in East Greenbush. The nights events  include dancing all night to popular hits including a disco ball, bubble machine and strobe lights!  Dinner includes kid favorites - pizza, chicken fingers, veggies and dip, and cake.  Flowers are presented to all the girls, and a photo booth is available for kids to have their pictures taken.

Annual Meeting

STRIDE's fiscal year runs June1 through May 31, and the year- end reporting to key figures within the organization is typically held in the beginning of June, at the banquet hall of Moscatiello's Restaurant in North Greenbush.