Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 6:30 pm 

A Fundraiser Supporting Individuals Of All Abilities

A special award will be given to Raymond Samson
President/Founder, Challenger Athletics, Inc.
In recognition of his profound impact in the special needs community

Butler Theater at Stage 74 enriches the lives of young adults by expanding access to theater and using performance as a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and connection.

Through multi-sensory theater productions, participants collaborate toward a shared performance experience while developing essential life skills, including oral and interpersonal communication, creative problem-solving, and self-confidence. Every individual plays a meaningful role, on stage and behind the scenes, while working together in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Community Impact Award Recipient will be given to Raymond Samson
President/Founder, Challenger Athletics, Inc.
In recognition of his profound impact in the special needs community

Raymond Samson is a devoted husband, father, coach, and community-builder whose life has been shaped by family and a passion for inclusive sports. Married for 28 years, he is the proud father of three children: Grace (25), Henry (24), and Patrick (20).

When Grace and Henry were young, Raymond spent countless evenings and weekends coaching lacrosse and CYO basketball, with Patrick—who was born with Down syndrome—right by his side at every practice and game, cheering on his older siblings and offering unwavering moral support as their biggest fan. In 2013, inspired by Patrick’s spirit and wanting to give him a team of his own, Raymond founded Challenger Athletics so that his older children, and the wider community, could now rally behind Patrick and athletes like him.

What began as a single lacrosse program has grown into a robust, year-round special needs sports organization offering a dozen sports, including basketball, bowling, flag football, surfing, and more. While the programs are sports-oriented, their true purpose runs deeper: Challenger Athletics is dedicated to developing confidence, self-esteem, independence, and lasting relationships between its athletes and the communities that support them.

Ray’s passion for the special needs community is also leading him to explore new ways to support individuals as they age out of state-supported programs. One path he is actively considering is a vocational school that challenges each student to discover their talents and trains them for meaningful work that matches their unique skills.

Early Bird Price through 4/1/26
Tickets $25 | SYJCC Members/Seniors and Students $20

Regular price begins 4/2/26
Tickets $30 | SYJCC Members/Seniors and Students $25

To Purchase Tickets, please

The Grand Finale: Curtain Call Sponsor – $5,000
(Includes eight (8) VIP tickets – reserved seating)
Take a bow with us! Your name will be announced as the official Curtain Call Sponsor as the cast returns to the stage for final bows, complete with a big thank-you while the applause is still ringing.

Also Includes:
Lead Event Sponsor recognition across all event communications
Social media story highlighting the cast headshots and stories from the cast – “why this experience is so meaningful”
Verbal recognition in the pre-performance presentation
Full-page ad in the event Playbill
Listing in The Buzz, our weekly electronic publication
Twenty (20) raffle tickets

Places, Please! Opening Moment Sponsor – $2,500
(Includes six (6) VIP tickets – reserved seating)
Be part of the magic before the curtain even rises. Your sponsorship will be recognized as the moment that kicks off the night and announced just before the performance begins or at intermission.

Also Includes:
Recognition in the pre-performance presentation
Half-page ad in the event Playbill
Listing in The Buzz, our weekly electronic publication
Ten (10) raffle tickets

Bravo! Pit Musicians Sponsor – $1,000
(Includes four (4) tickets to the event – reserved seating)
Step into the heart of the music! Your support will be celebrated as the sponsor of our talented pit musicians, the ones who bring every note and nuance to life on stage.

Also Includes:
Recognition in the pre-performance presentation
Quarter-page ad in the event Playbill
Listing in The Buzz, our weekly electronic publication
Five (5) raffle tickets

Headset & Clipboard Sponsor (Behind-the-Scenes Hero) – $500
(Includes two (2) tickets to the event)
Lights, cues, magic! Be recognized as a supporter of the unsung heroes who keep the show running smoothly from the shadows.

Also Includes:
Business card–size ad in the event Playbill
Two (2) raffle tickets

Crew Sponsorship – $250
(Includes (2) tickets to the event)
Every show relies on the unsung heroes working backstage. As a Crew Sponsor, you support the talented team who lights, moves, and organizes everything that makes the magic happen on stage.

Also Includes:
Business car-size ad in the event Playbill

All sponsors will be listed in all inclusive signage at the event, inside the theater and in the lobby.

To Become a Sponsor, please

For any questions, please contact Michele Posner, 516-822-3535, x319, [email protected]