Photo Courtesy of NYFAC Foundation, Inc.
By Michael V. Cusenza
The New York Families for Autistic Children Foundation last Thursday evening presented the 18th Annual Dinner Dance & Awards Celebration, in Loving Memory of Ruth Cirello, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach.
The 2016 honorees included City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (Guardian Angel Award); Herb Dallis (Lifetime Achievement); Det. Kenny Zorn (Community Affairs Officer of the Year); Rosanna Zarro (Inspiration); NY Kiwanis Governor-Elect Stephen Sirgiovanni (Community Service); TGI Office Automation (Business Partner of the Year); Joseph Gulino (Ambassador of Goodwill); and the James Romanelli-Stephen Funeral Home (Special Friend Award).
“This year, we honored truly amazing friends,” said Andrew Baumann, FAPA, NYFAC president and CEO. “It is through their support, friendship, and love that we are able to do what we do.”
Joseph Gulino, who earned the NYFAC Ambassador of Goodwill Award, and girlfriend Camille Thomae. Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) spotlighted the NYFAC staff, noting that “each one of them is deserving of recognition.”
“They’re angels doing God’s work in the community,” Ulrich continued. He added the news that the nonprofit organization is hoping to build out an extension to the Autism Center on Cross Bay Boulevard for a gym replete with adaptive equipment.
“I can assure that I will be doing everything I can to make sure we can get the funding to bring this project to fruition,” Ulrich pledged, eliciting rousing applause in the packed banquet hall.
“[The building] is a beacon of light for our entire community,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach), “a symbol of if we step up and get involved, we can make a difference in people’s lives.”
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
