Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Board of Directors member Tom Londres, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian, Foundation Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program Mark Bogosian, and Ocean City Public Works Manager Mike Rossbach stand on new beach mats purchased with foundation grant money. (Photos courtesy of Ocean City)
Ocean City announced that it has been awarded $25,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants Program.
The grant helped add more than 100 mats to create accessible paths across the soft sand on Ocean City beaches.
“It’s an honor to receive this award and work in partnership with the Reeve Foundation,” Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said. "I’m proud that Ocean City is able to continue to improve accessibility so everybody can enjoy our beaches.”
In the most recent round of funding, 56 grants totaling $1,102,501 were awarded by the Reeve Foundation. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis.
Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,700 grants totaling over $41 million have been awarded.
“This cycle of Direct Effect grant projects offers a robust and impactful addition to our Quality of Life grants program,” said Quality of Life Grants Program Director Mark Bogosian.
He continued, “Grant funds are supporting wide-ranging projects, including accessible community areas, adaptive sports and fitness and wellness, consumer education, peer mentoring and support, and transportation. These projects represent the true essence of our Quality of Life grants program by fostering inclusion, involvement and community engagement, and promoting health and wellness for those affected by paralysis.”
Ocean City’s beach mat program now includes accessible paths through the dunes at 99 beach entrances, with extended paths and sitting areas at Surf Road, Waverly Beach, Stenton Place, 14th Street, 34th Street and 58th Street.
