Earlier this month, Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) celebrated its 40th anniversary at the annual Party4PYD fundraiser. The night featured a sit-down dinner, music, and honorees who spoke about their experience with PYD. Read below for the evening’s highlights.

Emcees Kennedy Elsey and Austin Carr opened the event describing PYD’s impact over the past 40 years:

“Tonight, we honor four decades of impact, inclusion, and innovation. We celebrate our incredible participants, who continue to break barriers, redefine possibilities, and inspire us with their talent, resilience, and ambition. We celebrate our mentors and staff, who have been unwavering in their dedication to ensuring every young person has the support they need to thrive. We celebrate our partners and supporters, whose generosity and belief in our mission have allowed us to expand opportunities for youth with disabilities. And most importantly, we celebrate this community—because, together, we are building a world where all young people, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to lead, dream, and succeed.”

– Kennedy Elsey

(From left to right): Hosts Austin Carr and Kennedy Elsey. Photography Credit: Agnieszka Rytych-Foster.

After guests viewed a special video that highlighted the past 40 years of PYD, which included a message from Boston’s Mayor Wu, Kennedy and Austin invited guests to raise a glass to the past, present, and future success of PYD.

“Let’s raise a glass to 40 years of impact and to the next 40 years of even greater possibilities.”

– Kennedy

Party guests hold their glasses up to toast. Photography Credit: Agnieszka Rytych-Foster.

Youth Leadership participant Bobby Planzer was awarded the Mr. D for a Difference Award. Youth Leadership Manager, Carol Murray, introduced Bobby, remarking:

“He is a passionate advocate that is interested in serving and representing others, as seen in his direct work with legislative advocacy groups at the local and state levels. Bobby creates space and encourages others to have their voices heard, even if they voice opinions different from his own. Bobby listens to others, is respectful and considerate so all people feel valued and included.”

– Carol Murray

In accepting the award, Bobby spoke about his plans to advocate for people with disabilities.

“I will never ever stop fighting for people with disabilities. There’s a lot more that we need to do and we’re just getting started and if I have to lobby on Capitol Hill or anywhere else for a bill relating to people with disabilities, I will do it hands down.”

– Bobby Planzer

Honoree, Bobby Planzer. Photography Credit: Agnieszka Rytych-Foster.

Austin Carr introduced his mentor, Kennedy Elsey, as the honoree for the Oz Mondejar Innovator Award.

“Kennedy was my mentor and guided me through this journey. We created a memorable friendship on and off the podcast. We had a lot of laughs, a few tears, and unforgettable times. The trust and rapport was present from the very start. From that day I called it ‘magic’. She has been a remarkable friend, mentor, and role model that I admire and respect.”

– Austin Carr

Austin Carr speaks onstage, introducing Kennedy. Photography Credit: Agnieszka Rytych-Foster.

Then Executive Director, Tere Ramos, introduced the honorees of The Regina Snowden Founder’s Award.

“This year’s twenty honorees embody a commitment to supporting PYD’s youth in reaching their potential and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed and be included as leaders in our communities and the workplace.”

– Tere Ramos

Executive Director, Tere Ramos. Photography Credit: Agnieszka Rytych-Foster.

To highlight PYD’s impact, Sarah Desroche spoke about her experience mentoring Kyra.

“I feel like I taught so much to Kyra, and in return, she has taught so much to me. She is one of the strongest people I have ever met; she is way braver than I ever could have been at that age and she is a true self-starter. Especially at our summer leadership program, seeing how she used the tools the program gave her and she made them her own, I was deeply inspired.”

– Sarah Desroche, Kyra’s Mentor

Mentor and mentee duo, Sarah and Kyra. Photography Credit: Agnieszka Rytych-Foster.After Sarah and Kyra’s testimonies, Kennedy hosted the party’s fund the mission, which encouraged guests to contribute amounts that would directly help PYD’s youth.

Lastly, Jean Joy, President of the Board of Directors, honored Tere Ramos, who was stepping down as PYD’s Executive Director. Jean thanked Tere for her years of service and leadership.

“In addition to all of the organizational attributes that Tere brought to PYD, she also brought her heart. PYD would not be where it is today without the heart of so many people, several of whom are being recognized tonight in this 40th Anniversary celebration. We know that we will not be losing our connection with Tere, and we thank her for everything, including her friendship.”

-Jean Joy, PYD Board President

Tere and Jean embrace after Jean’s goodbye speech to Tere. Photography Credit: Agnieszka Rytych-Foster.

Overall, the night was a success. The guests, honorees, and staff were thrilled to celebrate PYD’s 40th anniversary.

Staff members Rachel and Becca high-five. Photography Credit: Agnieszka Rytych-Foster.

Thank you to all our youth, families, partners, supporters, and friends throughout the past 40 years! We look forward to the next 40 years.