For Immediate Release

Contact Jacob Silva (603) 647-8606

September 27, 2004

Vital & Ryze Advertising, Inc.

abilityPLUS Inc. named recipient of christopher Reeve paralysis foundation Quality of life grant

WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH - The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) announced that AbilityPLUS Inc. has been awarded a $5,000 Quality of Life Grant.

The Quality of Life grants program was conceived in 1999 by Dana Reeve. Reeve, Director of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and founder of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, started the program with the goal of helping people living with disabilities in the ‘here and now.’ Grants are awarded to programs or projects that improve the well-being of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Funding is awarded twice annually in thirteen categories, including: accessibility, advocacy, arts, assistive technology, children, counseling, education, employment, health promotion, independent living, practical services, sports and recreation, and therapeutic riding.

“For the first time in the history of this program, we have awarded over $775,000 in one cycle which will directly improve the quality of life for not only those living with disabilities, but their loved ones and caregivers as well,” said Dana Reeve.

“We can’t thank the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation enough for their support,” said Greg Cutler, AbilityPLUS’ director of development who credits board member and proposal writer Peter Fellman as the person responsible for winning the grant.

About Ability Plus

AbilityPLUS was founded in 1997, when a small group of volunteers were inspired by the awesome achievements of disabled individuals participating in the Adaptive Skiing Program at Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire. This group, along with the program’s director, Kathy Chandler, decided to create a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access and recreational opportunities for persons with physical and mental disabilities with the aim to create freedom, promote independence, support inclusion and help individuals and their families discover their full social, mental and athletic potential.

Since its founding, AbilityPLUS has grown significantly. Currently the group is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA and is affiliated with 8 top skiing resorts in the northeastern United States, offering more than 2,000 lessons for hundreds of disabled participants, their families, caregivers and friends. More than 200 volunteers help AbilityPLUS achieve its mission each year, including Chris Waddell, Paralympian and 5-time Gold Medallist, who recently joined AbilityPLUS as our official spokesperson. AbilityPLUS has made it possible for thousands of people of all ages with various disabilities to experience the thrill of flying down the mountain!

To learn more about AbilityPLUS visit the group online at http://www.abilityplus.org

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