2008

When: September 21, 2008

Total Donation: $11,128.82

Charity: Ali's Boundless Playground

It was Ali Karpenko's dream to have a community playground that is accessible to children with disabilities. With the support of her friends, family and various community organizations, she set out to raise $200,000 for a new Boundless Playground to be constructed in Grand Forks, ND.

Ali, age 14, was born with Spina Bifida. "I am very blessed, as I have a very mild case of it. Many of the problems I face are hidden to most, as I am very physically able. I did not begin the playground project for myself. I'm doing it for the kids like me who have a disability, but aren't as lucky as I am."

Boundless Playgrounds are tailor-made for the way children are naturally drawn to play. They are universally accessible so everyone can play side by side at his or her own highest level of ability.

"I think every kid should be able to have fun and feel like they belong," says Ali. "It would be nice to have a place where kids with disabilities and their siblings could have fun together."