The Guild for Exceptional Children will celebrate its 50th Anniversary at a gala Dinner-Dance, 7 p.m., October 17 at the El Caribe Country Club. The fundraising event will support the non-profit agency’s $7 Million Capital Campaign, which will provide expanded services for individuals with developmentally disabilities, and their families.
In the spirit of the theme “Building for Our Future and Honoring Our Past,” the evening will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, raffles, the publication of a souvenir journal, a review of the agency’s history and the presentation of awards.
Chaired by Louise Riso, and Eleanor Schiano as co-chair, the Dinner Dance and Journal committees include MaryAnn Walsh, Harriet Rosenberg, Barbara Vellucci, Peter Riso, Cono De Paola and Angela Canade.
President Anthony Santoro, Executive Director/CEO Paul Cassone and Chairperson Louise Riso are serving on the reception committee and will oversee the evening’s program.
Guests of Honor and award recipients will be Josephine and Salvatore Basile, Jeannette Cassone, Alexander Conti, Dr. Noel DeFelippo, Era and Calvin Fischetti, Hon. Luigi Marano and Andrew Sichenze, Esq.
President Anthony Santoro described the honorees as “outstanding people who have been very generous in their support of our agency and services that benefit children and adults with special needs. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to them.”
About the coming fundraiser, Cassone said, “Funds raised are earmarked to keep the mission of our founding parents alive and ensure a dignified retirement for our senior consumers through expansion, renovation and additional services. We are grateful to the community and our supporters for their help during our 50-year history.”
Founded in Bay Ridge in 1958 by a small group of concerned parents of children with special needs, the Guild for Exceptional Children has grown to serve 1,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities, from birth to old age; management of 14 residences and four apartments for supervised adult living; employment of over 500 staff members and many services that offer a fulfilling life to individuals in need.
The Guild for Exceptional Children, 260 68th Street in Bay Ridge, can be reached for information or reservations by calling 718-833-6633.
