For ten years, a dedicated group of individuals has been taking the leap—literally—to raise funds and awareness for people living with autism and other developmental disabilities. The 10th Annual LEAP for Autism returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Skydive the Ranch in Gardiner, New York, marking a milestone anniversary for this extraordinary fundraising event.

Supporting Greystone Programs' Mission

The event benefits Greystone Programs, an organization committed to enriching the lives of individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, day, and community-based services. Every dollar raised goes directly toward expanding these services and empowering more individuals to thrive in the communities they call home.

Greystone Programs serves individuals across the Hudson Valley region, providing comprehensive support that includes residential living arrangements, day habilitation programs, employment services, and community integration support. The organization's person-centered approach recognizes that individuals with I/DD have unique strengths, preferences, and goals that should drive the services they receive.

Angelo Angerame's Fifth Year Taking the Leap

Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy CEO Angelo Angerame will once again be taking the leap as a participant and fundraiser. For Angelo, this isn't just an annual tradition—it's a personal statement about what Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy stands for and the communities the organization exists to support.

"There is nothing like it. Every year, this event reminds me why we do what we do," Angelo shares.

Healthcare leaders who participate in fundraising events like LEAP for Autism demonstrate their commitment to the I/DD community in tangible ways. By personally engaging with the causes that align with their organization's mission, they model the values of service, advocacy, and active support that should characterize all I/DD healthcare services.

More Than Skydiving: A Community Festival

Beyond the amazing skydives, LEAP for Autism 2026 offers a full community festival atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy:

• A lineup of food and beverage trucks featuring local vendors
• Live music throughout the day
• Kid-friendly activities including face painting and bubbles
• Local vendor booths showcasing regional businesses
• A raffle with exciting prizes

Skydive the Ranch, one of the most experienced drop zones in the country, provides breathtaking views from the Catskills to the Manhattan skyline. For participants taking the leap, the experience combines the thrill of skydiving with the knowledge that their courage directly supports individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

Why Fundraising Matters for I/DD Services

Events like LEAP for Autism fill critical funding gaps for organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While many I/DD services receive government funding through Medicaid and state developmental disabilities programs, these funds often don't cover the full cost of quality programming.

Fundraising dollars enable organizations like Greystone Programs to:

• Expand services to reach more individuals
• Enhance existing programs with additional resources and activities
• Provide staff training and professional development
• Purchase specialized equipment and materials
• Offer innovative programming that improves quality of life

For families navigating the I/DD service system, organizations that invest in fundraising and community engagement often demonstrate stronger commitment to excellence and innovation in their programming.

How to Support LEAP for Autism

Community members can support LEAP for Autism 2026 in several ways:

Participate in the Skydive: The event is open to participants aged 18 and older. Registration includes the tandem skydive experience with experienced instructors, all necessary equipment, and participation in the festival activities.

Attend the Festival: All community members are welcome to attend the festival portion of the event, even if not participating in the skydive. Admission supports Greystone Programs and provides a family-friendly day of entertainment.

Support a Participant: Community members can donate to support specific participants' fundraising efforts, including Angelo Angerame's personal fundraising page.

Become an Event Sponsor: Sponsorship packages are available for organizations looking to support the mission while gaining visibility in the Hudson Valley I/DD community.

The Growing Awareness of Autism and I/DD Needs

The tenth anniversary of LEAP for Autism reflects growing community awareness and support for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Over the past decade, public understanding of autism spectrum disorder has evolved significantly, with increased recognition that autistic individuals and those with other developmental disabilities deserve full inclusion, appropriate support, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in their communities.

Events that bring together families, service providers, healthcare professionals, and community members help break down stigma and build networks of support that extend far beyond a single day of fundraising.

Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy's Commitment to I/DD Services

Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy's corporate sponsorship of LEAP for Autism represents the organization's ongoing commitment to supporting the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. As a long-term care pharmacy specializing in I/DD medication management, Hudson Regional serves many of the same individuals who benefit from organizations like Greystone Programs.

This alignment between healthcare services and community support creates comprehensive care networks where individuals with I/DD receive both clinical medication management and enriching life experiences through day programs, recreational activities, and community integration.

Join the Celebration

The 10th Annual LEAP for Autism on May 2, 2026, offers everyone an opportunity to support a cause that changes lives. Whether taking the leap yourself, attending the festival with family, or supporting a participant's fundraising efforts, your involvement makes a difference for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across the Hudson Valley.

For event information, registration details, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Anquinette Hayles at AHayles@greystoneprograms.org or (845) 505-0058.

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