Somerset Hills YMCA Hosts Dance for Children with Special Needs and Honors Program Volunteers
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, May 7, 2026 – On Saturday, May 2, Somerset Hills YMCA, a branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA, hosted a festive luau-themed dance to celebrate the last session of the 34th season of Saturdays in Motion and recognize the program’s graduating high school senior volunteers.
Families and volunteers arrived dressed in all kinds of luau attire, including Hawaiian shirts, flower leis, and sunglasses. The children and volunteers danced the afternoon away to Maximo DJ. The children also enjoyed face painting, a photo booth, a talented balloon artist, and baked goods, all of which added fun for all. In total, there were about 100 children and 140 volunteers at the celebration.
This year’s celebration also carried special meaning as participants honored the memory of Saturdays in Motion co-founder Art Raynes, who passed away the week prior to the dance. Dan McCauley, a Somerset Hills YMCA Board Member, and Bridget Nassan, a senior and teen volunteer, gave tributes to Art. Through his vision and dedication, Art helped create a program that has impacted thousands of children, families, and volunteers over the past three decades. Today, Saturdays in Motion is recognized as the longest-running non-public recreational program for children with autism and special needs in the country. For 34 years, the program has operated at Somerset Hills YMCA, and this past year it expanded to Plainfield YMCA.
“Art gave his time, leadership, and unwavering commitment to this program, the families, the volunteers, and the Y,” said David M. Carcieri, President and CEO of Greater Somerset County YMCA. “Through his vision, generations of teen volunteers found purpose, and countless children with autism and their families found a place of connection, support, and belonging. Art built more than a program—he built a community rooted in care, consistency, and joy. His quiet leadership and compassion were felt by all who had the privilege to know him, and his impact lives on in the confidence of the children he supported, the growth of the teens he mentored, and the families he brought together.”
Founded by Pat and Art Raynes, Saturdays in Motion pairs teen volunteers one-on-one with children with autism and special needs for recreational activities and swimming, serving approximately 100 participants and 130 volunteers each session. Offered at no cost to families, the program also provides caregivers with two hours of respite and support. Art was especially passionate about ensuring the program welcomed participants’ siblings as well, believing their involvement was important not only for the fun and inclusion the program offers but also for the opportunity to connect with and find support among other families navigating similar experiences.
Throughout its history, the Saturdays in Motion program has been led by teen volunteers. Each year, the Raynes family honors volunteers who are high school seniors for their commitment to the program and for being servant leaders. This year, the high school seniors honored were:
- Emily Weine, 4 years
- Izzie Weiner, 4 years
- Jillian Miller, 4 years
- Kinga Kiss, 7 years
- Liam Nolan, 5 years
- Oscar Chamberlain, 6 years
- Sathvik Samant, 4 years
- Sawyer Paul, 3 years
- Bridget Nassan, 7 years
- Alex Makovsky, 4 years
Erika Ballo, a long-time parent whose three teens volunteered with Saturdays in Motion over the past decade, shared, “Once they started with Art Raynes, they never wanted to miss it. No matter where we were, they made sure we were back each weekend. They felt they were truly making a difference, and through the program, they learned the value of giving, along with leadership and responsibility.”
To support the Y and learn more about the Saturdays in Motion program visit, www.gscymca.org/saturdays-in-motion.
###
About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to cultivating an inclusive and dynamic community where everyone can realize their unique potential. Through programs that foster healthy living, belonging, and personal growth, the Y empowers individuals and families to thrive. Learn more about our programs and financial assistance at www.gscymca.org.