FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Long Islanders Unite to Support a Great Cause
PLAINVIEW, NEW YORK, December 4, 2015– More than 300 guestsraised a glass to ACDS at the agency’s Annual Gala at Carlyle on the Green in Farmingdale on Saturday, November 14th. The lively event raised nearly $275,000 with proceeds going toward enhancing ACDS’ programs and services for individuals with Down syndrome, autism and other developmental disabilities.
During the festivities, ACDS honored former Board President Tim Michel and the PlumbingContractors Association of Long Island (PCALI), for their continued support and deep commitment to the agency’s mission to provide high-quality resources to individuals and families across Long Island. In addition to being a long time board member,Tim is a parent of an ACDS graduate. PCALI has raised more than $150,000 for the agency.
The eventfeatured a cocktail hour, dinner, auctions and live musicprovided by the popular Hank Lane Orchestra.Residents of ACDS’ eight group homes, whose attendance was sponsored by generous individuals and companies across Long Island,were among the many guests who danced the night away until the last song was played! The evening’s major sponsors included Ferguson Enterprises, Sloan, the Solferino family and Blackman Plumbing Supply.
An exciting live auction featured meet-and-greet packages with famed Mets and Yankees greats. Afterward, ACDS held a “Fund a Cause” live ask (preceded by a moving video narrated by ACDS Principal Cecilia Barry) to support the agency’s goal of placing a SmartBoard in ACDS’ 18preschool and Early Intervention classrooms. The tremendous response that ensued will enable ACDS to purchase eight Smart Boards, as well as several iPads – essential tools for student learning and development. The New York Islanders’ Matt Martin and the Matt Martin Foundation are among the many contributing to this important cause.
“Seeing people come together to display such a heartfelt show of support moves me beyond words,” said Michael M. Smith, Executive Director, ACDS. “With the help of PCALI, Tim Michel, our amazing sponsors and others who are so deeply committed to our mission, we can continue to transform lives and make a difference for thousands in the community.”
About ACDS
ACDS, located in Plainview, NY is dedicated to providing lifetime resources of exceptional quality, innovation and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome, autism and other developmental disabilities and their families. ACDS has been providing programs and services in and around Long Island since 1966. ACDS currently serves over 1,000 children and adults, providing services that include Early Intervention and preschool special education programs, respite and recreation programs for children, teens and adults, adult Medicaid service coordination, day habilitation and eight supervised group homes. For more information, please visitacds.orgor call 516-933-4700.
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