On Saturday, November 4, 2006, Community Development and Financial Resources, Inc. (CDFR), an affiliate of Communities United Credit Union, will sponsor the 2nd Annual REACH Awards Dinner. The purpose of this banquet is to honor and highlight the accomplishments of our honorees and to inspire other individuals with disabilities that otherwise might feel they cannot set and reach goals.

Disability touches the lives of people all over the world without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or gender. Due to the lack of available opportunities and the difficulties in overcoming challenges caused by disabilities, many of these individuals are among the poorest of the poor. This year we will recognize individuals who, in spite of their disability, have set and achieved personal goals through determination and perseverance.

This year’s honorees are:

Michael Eastman

Michael has a B.S. in Business Administration from Emporia State University. He is a consultant with DCSSA, a collaboration of the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Wichita and Digital Consulting and Software Services, Inc. of Sugarland, TX.

Grady Landrum

Grady Landrum has been director of Disability Services at WSU for the past 15 years. A quadraplegic since a car accident in 1971, Grady is a big advocate of weelchair sports and has served as President of Wheelchair Sports, Inc. and director of Wheelchair Tennis Tournament.

Inafay Grays McClellan

Inafay Grays McClellan has overcome many obstacles in order to pursue her dreams. Despite suffering head injuries in an auto accident, enduring brain surgery in 1995 and being diagnosed with dementia in 1997, her faith in God has helped her to perservere and to remain active in her community. Inafay was appointed to the Housing Authority Board by Mayor Bob Knight in 2001, serves as resident commissioner with the Housing Community Service Department, and works as an Americorps VISTA at Communities United Credit Union.

Ryan Thomas

Even though a rare disease left him a quadraplegic at the age of 7, Ryan Thomas has been determined to pursue his dreams. He is currently majoring in Japanese at the University of Kansas. In August 2006 he became one of only 15 students in the nation to be awarded a 15 day trip to Japan by Mobility International, a national group that promotes special needs students. In 2004 he became the first quadraplegic Beautillion.

In addition, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Daniel Caliendo, Jr., MD of Emergency Services, PA at Wesley Medical Center will be our keynote speaker for the evening. Dr. Caliendo’s story of triumph over a tragic farming accident was featured on CBS’s Rescue 911 in 1993. You will not want to miss his inspiring words on this extraordinary evening.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, contact Angie Franklin, Communities United Credit Union, at 316-684-1500 or Fax: 316-684-0160