Julie McManus lives in a YAI apartment in Westchester. One of the many things she enjoys doing is tending to the yard outside.

Julie also enjoys raising awareness about issues that are important to her. Over the past 27 years, she has made it her personal mission to spread the word about how YAI helps people with disabilities to build the lives they want, and to enlist people's support.

She achieves this mission by setting aside time to go door-to-door to neighbors' homes and local businesses in Eastchester, Larchmont, Mamaroneck and New Rochelle to tell people how much YAI means to her and to ask them to support her and other people with disabilities by donating to the annual Central Park Challenge (CPC).

"I say, 'Hello, how are you? My name is Julie McManus and I live in a supportive apartment and I'm raising money for people with disabilities.' I tell them about YAI and sometimes they give me a donation and fill out my donation sheet," she said.

"Sometimes" is a modest understatement. Julie's outstanding efforts regularly earn her a spot on the list of top CPC fundraisers, and she has been honored twice on stage at the event.

For Julie, who first moved into a YAI residence in 1978, the formal recognition of her fundraising success is second only to the gratification of building relationships in the community.

"I've seen the same people every year for a long time and they know me," Julie said. "They are all very friendly and happy to see me."

Having the courage to knock on neighbors' doors and to ask them to support a cause that is important to her is a goal that Julie has worked hard to achieve.

"I was shy when I was very young," she said. "But now I'm more open."

Julie's motivation in reaching out to her neighbors is to create opportunities for other individuals, especially those who may require more support, to accomplish their goals.

"I like to do fundraising because I have a very good heart and I like to support YAI," Julie said. "I would like to have more houses open and more staff to work for YAI to help people who need help the most."