In 2006, United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Detroit (UCP/Detroit) received funding from Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan to support a pilot wheelchair ramp assistance program for children called QuickRamps for Kids. The demand for ramp assistance was overwhelming and UCP/Detroit recognized the need to seek additional funding. To date UCP/Detroit has received grants from the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation, CVS and private donors that include Aristeo Construction Company in Livonia, Michigan. But one program supporter truly stands out — Daniel Elkus a 15–year–old student from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, who attends Frankel Jewish Academy of Metro Detroit.
After participating in the People to People program, which focused on international diplomacy and encouraged community service, Daniel became inspired to get more involved in his community. He was also inspired by President Obama’s call to service campaign. Daniel, who has mild cerebral palsy, decided he wanted to do more than just volunteer - he wanted to make a real difference in his community. Instead of completing the minimum hours of service required by students at the Frankel Jewish Academy, Daniel has decided to offer long term support to QuickRamp for Kids, and is currently developing a video that will feature children who have received ramps.
To date, Daniel has raised more than $2,000 to support the QuickRamp for Kids program and that number continues to grow. Each ramp costs between $250 and $500, so $2,000 has already gone a long way.
All donations for the QuickRamps for Kids program are used to purchase ramps for children 18 years and younger who reside in Metro Detroit.
For more information, visit the UCP of Metropolitan Detroit Web site or contact Leslynn Angel at (248) 557-5070.
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