Kids and Adults with Autism Big Winners Thanks To DDIs 2009 Stars Gala & Casino Night
December 14, 2009
(Smithtown, N.Y.) -The Developmental Disabilities Institute’s (www.ddiny.org ) Annual Stars Gala & Casino Night raised over $170,000 to support the educational and residential programs, adult day training and medical services DDI provides for more than 1,500 individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Over 400 people attended the event on November 20th at the Huntington Hilton in Melville.
This year’s Autism Advocacy honoree was Peter Chase, Executive Director, C&B Consulting, a Division of Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. Peter and his team at C&B Consulting have greatly reduced DDI’s operational costs, saving the organization $3.6 million in the first year alone. An active member of the DDI Development Board, he has also raised the visibility of the organization’s mission and been instrumental in securing funding for various initiatives.
The 2009 Stars Achievement Award was presented to Sean Bracy. Sean is an exceptional young man who has been part of the DDI family for nearly 31 of his 34 years. As an adult, he has worked in the service industry and is currently participating in DDI’s Day Hab program.
Gala attendees also recognized two DDI employees who were recently honored by the New York State Association for Day Service Providers. Matt Sykes, Assistant Manager at the Meadow Glen Day Hab, was awarded the 2009 Service Provider of the Year Award for the Long Island region, and Surovi Mukerjee, Manager of DDI’s Main Street and Northport Day Habs, received the 2009 Leadership Award for the Long Island region.
Two performers, both members of DDI’s adult services program, brought the audience to its feet with heart-felt songs. Crystal Carter sang “I Will Always Love You,” and Jeffery Weiner sang “New York, New York.”
“Every year, the Gala provides DDI with an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful children, parents, teachers, staff, friends and volunteers who are creating a brighter future for those with developmental disabilities,” stated John Lessard, DDI’s Executive Director. “DDI is very grateful to all who attended, and our dedicated sponsors and supporters including C & B Consulting, Tobay Printing, National Grid, Emblem Health, TD Bank, YAP Charitable Foundation, Condé Naste Traveler, Met Life, Ann C. Lay, and Shore Pharmaceutical.”
Developmental Disabilities Institute is a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Smithtown, NY, with more than 30 locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Serving nearly 1,000 children and adults with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), DDI is the largest provider of services for individuals with autism on Long Island. It provides educational, vocational, and residential programs, as well as medical and dental services for over 1,500 children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI also operates family-centered preschool programs for both children with disabilities as well as typically developing students. DDI was founded in 1961 by a group of parents to address the special educational and therapeutic needs of their children with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI is a member agency of the United Way. For more information about DDI, visit www.ddiny.org.
Photo: The 2009 Stars Achievement Award was presented to Sean Bracy. Pictured L-R: John Lessard, DDI’s Executive Director, Sean Bracy, Judy Bracy, and Rocco Cirigliano, Chairman of DDI’s Board of Directors.
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Society
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