The Magic of Big City Night!
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4 minutes
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Events
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Under Your Spell Big City Night Raises Over $650,000 to Expand Opportunity, Independence, and Belonging for People with Disabilities
We are still feeling the magic of Under Your Spell Big City Night, and we are so grateful you were part of such an unforgettable evening. Together, we raised more than $650,000 to expand opportunities for people with disabilities! Thank you for making this incredible impact possible.
Our CEO, Serena Alaily, said it best in her speech, opening the night with:
“Tonight, this room is filled with mystery and enchantment. But the real magic of the evening is what we can create, together.”
Throughout the evening, our community gathered under the lights to celebrate what is possible when people are supported in living full and meaningful lives. We were honored to share the stories of Ella and Sandra, two people whose journeys reflect the heart of Aspire’s mission.
Ella’s story showed what is possible when opportunity meets determination. Through Aspire’s Employment Training Program, she gained the skills and confidence to secure full-time employment, access healthcare, and even purchase her own condo. Her journey is a powerful example of how meaningful employment can create independence, stability, and a future full of possibilities.
Sandra’s story reminded us of the deep sense of belonging that community makes possible. After nearly 40 years with Aspire, Sandra continues to flourish in an accessible community home designed to support her independence. A safe home where she can age in place, surrounded by care, connection, and the people who know and love her. Her journey is a testament to resilience, independence, and the lasting relationships that define Aspire.
Together, Ella and Sandra’s stories reflect what is possible when people are empowered at every stage of life. From opening doors to meaningful employment to ensuring stability, independence, and a loving place to call home, their journeys show the impact that opportunity and care can create. They are powerful reminders that when people are truly seen and supported, lasting change can take root.
“Change only happens when we break the silence together”
Serena Alaily, CEO
Too many people with disabilities experience a quiet, persistent kind of exclusion. The silence of being overlooked, underestimated, and left out of everyday community life. Sandra’s story shows what’s possible when that silence is replaced with belief and belonging, as Aspire created a path for her to live, grow, and thrive in a community that embraces her. Ella’s journey reflects that same shift, from being overlooked to being given a real opportunity, leading to employment, independence, and a home of her own. Together, their stories show that when we choose to see, invest in, and include people, we don’t just break the silence — we replace it with connection, purpose, and possibility.
“People with disabilities need to be believed in, seen, and given space to grow.”
Serena Alaily, CEO
Because of your generosity, Aspire can continue to expand access to safe homes, meaningful employment opportunities, and life-enriching experiences that empower people with disabilities to grow, connect, and thrive.
This year, we were also proud to highlight the impact of our Employment Training Program, which is opening doors to real-world careers through hands-on training and strong partnerships with employers. Stories like Ella’s are just the beginning of what’s possible.
“While Aspire has been here for more than 65 years, I deeply believe that our most important work is still ahead of us.”
Serena Alaily, CEO
From all of us at Aspire, thank you for being part of a night filled with magic, community, and purpose — and for helping build a future filled with greater opportunities for people of all abilities.
P.S. If you were inspired by Ella and Sandra’s stories and would like to share them with others, you can watch their videos here:
P.P.S. To relive the magic of the evening, view photos from Big City Night here:
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