Press Releases

    Katonah boy proves to be a talented musician, philanthropist and activist

    When 12 year old Michael Sabath was tasked with choosing a service project to complete as part of his Bar Mitzvah, he knew he wanted to use his passion for music to bring joy to others in his community. He also knew he wanted to help people with disabilities.

    Michael has set off to convince us all that kids can change the world. He has written the music and lyrics for a song titled, “Hand in Hand”, which he will use to raise money for people with disabilities. Michael plans to sell his song on iTunes and through other mediums. He will donate all of the proceeds to Ability Beyond Disability.

    To illustrate the potential of kids and teens coming together to make a difference, Michael hopes to have at least 100 young people sing the chorus of the song. The lyrics of which include lines such as, “Though we’re young we can help, while we’re hand in hand together”. So far, 42 kids have participated.

    When asked what he hopes people will learn through his project, Michael said, “I hope that people will learn that adults aren’t the only people who can make a difference. Kids can make a difference too.”

    He is aiming to raise at least $5,000 for Ability Beyond Disability from this project. If he is able to raise more, the additional donations will be split between Ability Beyond Disability and Special Olympics.

    “I chose Ability Beyond Disability because whenever I see someone with disabilities, it makes me want to do something to help them. I learned that Ability Beyond Disability helps these people do the same things that I love to do, even though they have disabilities,” he said.

    Mary Pell Bidwell, Service Manager at Ability Beyond Disability is excited to have Michael involved in the organization. “Michael is so giving of himself,” she said. “We’re thrilled that so many young people are getting involved and raising money for Ability Beyond Disability”.

    The song is expected to be available around December 13th, but Michael is already accepting donations through his website, www.hundredsofhands.com. Donors will receive the song directly from Michael by e-mail as soon as it's ready.

     

     

    Ability Beyond Disability is a 501{c} (3) organization headquartered in Mount Kisco, N.Y. and Bethel, Conn.  It provides a wide range of services for approximately 1,500 people with a disability -- including residential alternatives, employment training, career counseling, job placement services, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational activities. Today, its services extend into much of Connecticut and the Hudson Valley, New York. For more information about Ability Beyond Disability please visit www.abilitybeyonddisability.org.

     
Meet Bethany “Ability Beyond Disability helped prepare Bethany for her life after high school; the work experience she gained and the skills she learned will help her be successful well into the future.”