Wildwood Programs

11/14/2025

Last month, the team at Statewide Public Affairs, Inc. hosted the first annual Kevin Banes Memorial Golf Tournament at Capital Hills Golf Course in Albany which supported Wildwood.

Kevin Banes was a supporter and friend to Wildwood for many years. His expertise in government relations helped Wildwood to build relationships in that world, and guided us in our advocacy efforts time and time again. His impact was beyond measure.

Recently, Ty Mills presented Wildwood CEO Lou Deepe and Director of Foundation Nicole Babie with the proceeds from the event, which raised nearly $12,000 in Kevin's honor. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and to the dedicated planning committee for hosting an amazing event. A special thanks to Wildwood Programs board members Dawn Mengel and Karen Nagy for joining Lou and Nicole at this wonderful event.

11/12/2025

A huge thank you to CDPHP for a generous donation to our employee food pantry. 🌟

Wildwood CEO, Lou Deepe, and other members of the team accepted the contribution from Jen Cassidy, CDPHP Director of Corporate Giving.

This support helps us take care of our staff, who in turn take care of our community. Thank you, CDPHP! 💚

11/11/2025

Oh, what a night... of trivia, fun, and fundraising! 💙

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday for Wildwood Trivia Night at Alley Brewing Co.! Your laughter, energy, and generosity made it an unforgettable evening — all in support of Wildwood Programs’ mission to empower people with developmental disabilities.

Congrats to the winning team from the Business Review — the only team of three! — for donating their $500 prize back to Wildwood. What an inspiring show of generosity! 💙

Together, we raised over $12,000 to continue creating an impact. A big thank-you to our sponsors (shout out to our presenting sponsors, Bill & Bonnie Daggett and Hannay Reels), raffle donors, Kettle Corn NYC for the popcorn they donated for everyone to enjoy, and all the attendees who made the night such a success. 🙌

We’re already looking forward to next year’s trivia night! 💫

11/06/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiUjzfEWIOc Tom Schreck is retiring in a week. Here are some of his thoughts on 25 years at Wildwood...

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/23/2025

A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated and collected treats at Wildwoods 2nd annual Trunk or Treat that was held this past Saturday. It was a wonderful afternoon of great weather, creative trunks, treats, and community.

I would like to announce the winners of the trunk decorating contest:
Most Creative: trunk #11
Funniest: trunk #1
Spookiest: trunk #7

🍁🎃👻Congratulations to our winners — you’ve earned bragging rights until next year! 👻🎃🍁

All of the trunks and costumes were wonderful and creative.

10/23/2025

Another in our series of looking back at Wildwood history...

2025 brings with it some serious challenges related to funding, programming, supports, and services. Sometimes it can be daunting.

It isn’t the first time, though — Wildwood’s advocacy efforts began at the very same time the organization itself was founded.

Back in 1969, our founder and executive director Ginny Rossuck, along with Helen Messier from Rensselaer ARC and community advocate Ellie Pattison, actually staged a sit-in to advocate for the rights of people with developmental disabilities.

At the time, there were few—if any—supports available. The three women, along with a group of supporters, organized and held a sit-in at the State Capitol that eventually had to be shut down and dispersed by police. It wasn’t violent or disrespectful, but it did get the attention of lawmakers—as good advocacy often does.

1969 was a year of turmoil in our culture, with some similarities to our current moment. Advocacy efforts remain vitally important today, and it’s good to know we have a long, proud history of making our voices heard.

10/22/2025

You're invited to join us for Wildwood Trivia Night on Thursday, November 6th at Frog Alley Brewing in Schenectady from 5-8PM! 🎉🍺 Grab your friends, brush up on your fun facts, and give back! 🙌 Your team of 4 competitors will join others from across the Capital Region to try to take home the $500 Grand Prize! 🤑 The $100 price of admission includes 4 tickets for your team 🎟, 4 Frog Alley Draft Beers 🍺, and movie theater butter kettle popcorn courtesy of our friends at Kettle Corn NYC. We'll also have raffle tickets for sale for great raffle prizes! Register today here: https://wildwoodprograms.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/wildwoodprograms/eventRegistration.jsp?event=36 🥳

10/11/2025

10/11/2025

Wildwood presents Discover Albany with the Distinguished Partner Award!

What a day at the Albany Visitors' Center and The Irish American Heritage Museum! What a treat that included an award presentation and a musical number by Mike Clarke, the museum executive director--check it out!

Friday, October 10, 2025

10/09/2025

A HUGE thank you to everyone who joined the Walk for Wildwood 👟 on Saturday, October 4th at Cook Park in Colonie! 😃 We appreciate all of our staff, volunteers, sponsors and walkers who donated or showed up for this celebration of Wildwood's impactful work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Thank you for helping us surpass our fundraising goal and joining the fun! 🤑🎉 Our gratitude also goes out to for volunteering his time and photography talents to capture the festivities! 📷 You can view the full gallery here: https://toddbaileyphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/28270129 or see the highlights here.
Melissa Snyder
Annual Fund & Events Manager

10/04/2025

🌞💚 Could it be a more perfect morning for the Walk for Wildwood? 👟✨ It’s FINALLY here! 🎉 9–11 AM, Cook Park in Colonie 💵 $35 (cash, check, or credit) — you’re not too late to join us, or donate at 2025 Walk for Wildwood!

A HUGE thank you 🙏 to our amazing community partners and sponsors for making today possible. We couldn’t do it without you! 🌟

Let’s walk together in celebration, solidarity & support of Wildwood’s mission 💚👟

Thank you, both!

Melissa Snyder
Annual Fund & Events Manager

10/03/2025

It’s Here! 🌞👟 The Walk for Wildwood is TOMORROW! 🎉 Saturday, October 4th, 9–11 AM at Cook Park in Colonie

The weather is looking BEAUTIFUL 🌤️ — the perfect day to walk in solidarity and celebration of Wildwood’s mission to support people with developmental disabilities in living more independent, productive, and fulfilling lives. ✨

💵 Online registration is closed, but don’t worry — you can still join us or donate online at 2025 Walk for Wildwood! $35 day-of (cash, credit, or check). 👕 Limited t-shirts available 🎶 Live music 🍩☕ Refreshments from Hannaford & Death Wish Coffee and 🎪 Community Fair fun!

Bring your friends, family, energy, and dogs on a leash 🐶🐕— let’s walk together for an amazing cause! 💪💚