By
Brightway
Brightway Living & Learning collaborates with PNNY for an inclusive Field Day, enhancing community engagement and joy for students.
Brightway Living & Learning, formerly known as Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), teamed up with the Philanthropy Network of New York (PNNY) to host its annual Field Day Event for students at its Children’s Day Program in Huntington. This inclusive event marks one of the first major volunteer initiatives celebrated under the organization’s newly announced Brightway name.
As a leading Long Island care provider for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, Brightway’s new brand reflects its evolving mission to light the path forward for the 1,600+ children and adults it supports. The Field Day event brought together dozens of volunteers through PNNY’s network for a morning of engaging, hands-on activities with Brightway students. Volunteers participated in interactive stations including tunnels, sensory bins, Play-Doh, hula hoops, freeze dance, stacking blocks, and finger painting—creating a fun, supportive environment centered on student connection, creativity, and movement. Highlights of the day's energy and memorable interactions can be viewed in the event video recap here.
“Our partnership with the Philanthropy Network of New York continues to expand opportunities for community engagement in meaningful ways,” said Kim M. Kubasek, CEO, Brightway Living & Learning. “While our name and brand identity has changed, our dedication to creating joyful, impactful educational experiences is stronger than ever. This event not only brought immense joy to our students but also fostered a deeper, brighter connection between our school program and local corporate volunteers.”
PNNY, known for its turnkey approach to corporate philanthropy, played a key role in organizing and supporting the event. The organization connects companies of all sizes with impactful volunteer opportunities, managing registration, coordinating logistics, and providing on-site guidance through a dedicated philanthropy ambassador. PNNY also supports participating companies by promoting their involvement across social media channels and delivering post-event reports that include attendance and employee feedback.
“Collaborating with Brightway on this Field Day reflects exactly what our network is designed to do—connect volunteers with opportunities that create real, human impact,” said a spokesperson for the Philanthropy Network of New York. “Seeing volunteers engage directly with the children in such a fun and inclusive setting underscores the value of hands-on philanthropy.”
This annual Field Day highlights Brightway’s ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of those it supports while building strong partnerships with organizations that share its mission of inclusion and personal growth.
About Brightway (formerly DDI)
Brightway is a premier non-profit provider of human services on Long Island, including educational, residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs. Building on a 65-year legacy as the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), Brightway supports over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities through a full continuum of care. By employing persistence, adaptability, and the power of behavioral science, Brightway’s dedicated professionals enable individuals to grow, learn, and meet milestones at their own pace. Discover more about our mission and our "All Ways Forward" approach at brightwayny.org.
About Philanthropy Network of New York (PNNY)
The Philanthropy Network of New York helps companies turn intention into impact through a turnkey platform designed to simplify and scale philanthropic efforts. Members receive a curated calendar of volunteer opportunities that employees can easily join, while we handle all logistics. Our team manages registration, provides on-site support, tracks participation and feedback, and promotes your company’s involvement across social media. By partnering with the Philanthropy Network of New York, your organization can become a leader in corporate philanthropy—creating meaningful change while strengthening your brand.