A Night of Purpose and Celebration

On September 18, the Metropolitan & Clubroom came alive with purpose and celebration as guests gathered for the 10th Anniversary Ability Bash. The evening honored a decade of advancing inclusion and opportunity for people with disabilities, featuring powerful stories, lively applause, and the beloved Dessert Dash that had the room on its feet.

Gratitude and Recognition

Emceed by longtime host Brett Hoffland, the night opened with gratitude for the sponsors and community partners whose unwavering support powers workforce inclusion across Minnesota. Among the evening’s highlights were the Community Impact Awards, presented to Senator Aric Putnam and Peet’s Coffee for their outstanding contributions to advancing disability employment.

A Bold Vision for the Future

MDI CEO Eric Black energized the crowd with a bold vision: to deliver one million inclusive learning experiences by 2030 through Unified Work’s forward-thinking programming.

Voices That Inspire

Yet it was the voices of our athletes that truly defined the night.

Jay Hannon’s Story of Confidence and Purpose

Jay, a 33-year-old Special Olympics athlete living with autism and an intellectual disability, shared how sports have fueled his confidence, independence, and sense of purpose. With over 20 years of competition under his belt, Jay is now training for his second national appearance at the 2026 USA Games.

Ben Pederson’s Story of Joy and Belonging

Ben brought humor and heart to the stage. Born in North Dakota and raised in Minnesota, he is deeply connected to his community and proud of his two jobs. A “Super Uncle” and a lover of church, sports, and connection, Ben found belonging through adaptive sports and his nearly 20-year career at MDI – where he works on an AbilityOne contract. Now preparing to compete in powerlifting at the 2026 USA Games, Ben embodies joy, determination, and the spirit of Unified Work.

Fund-a-Need: Fueling What’s Next

As the last paddle was raised during the Fund-a-Need auction, it became clear: this milestone event wasn’t just about looking back. It was a launchpad for the future. Together, we’re building inclusive pathways where everyone has the chance to thrive.