Eastchester Resident to Be Honored at Gala for Life's WORC, Family Center for Autism

EASTCHESTER, NY — Life’s WORC and The Family Center for Autism are holding their annual fundraising gala on Tuesday, Dec. 6 and will be honoring an Eastchester resident.

The gala will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Gotham (Broadway/36th Street) in midtown Manhattan.

With the theme of the evening is “The Night of A Million Lights.”

The guests of honor will be:

• Mario R. Dell’Aera Jr., partner-in-charge of New York Financial Services for KPMG, LLP (one of the world’s largest accounting and business professional services firms). Mr. Dell’Aera has had a distinguished career in certified public accounting from the time when he carved a niche providing service in the growing cadre of Internet companies in the mid- 1990’s. He oversees one of the top accounting practices focused on "Silicon Alley" enterprises. A native of Levittown, Long Island, Mr. Dell’Aera is a resident of Eastchester, New York.
• Emily Levine, 14-year-old student at Roslyn Junior High School, a resident of Roslyn. Emily Levine is a participant at The Family Center For Autism, who has demonstrated leadership in its “Teen Adventure Connection” in music programs, art programs, cooking programs, and fashion events.

Life’s WORC, together with The Family Center for Autism, was established 46 years ago by Queens Courier newspaper publisher/editor Victoria Schneps. Today the organization provides services to some 1,700 individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. The agency operates a network of forty group residences located in western Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, and Manhattan.

Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera, one of the founders, will be attending the gala. The Master of Ceremonies will be three-time EMMY winner John Donvan, an ABC Television Network correspondent. Donvan is the author of "In A Different Key: The Story of Autism," which received critical acclaim and attention.

Explains Janet Koch, Executive Director of Life's WORC/The Family Center For Autism: "Encouraged by Mario Dell'Aera's leadership and advocacy in behalf of our agency, KPMG, LLP is contributing $100,000. KPMG, LLP is an excellent role model for corporate generosity and philanthropic efforts."

Also being recognized is Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy (based in Middletown, New York) and its CEO Angelo Angerame. Hudson Regional has made a major sponsorship commitment in support of this event. Hudson Regional is a for-profit organization focusing on institutional pharmacy services for individuals living with developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities or chemical dependencies and other long-term health challenges.

Tickets are $425, tables of 10 at $4000. There is journal advertising and other sponsorships available. For more details contact: 516-741-9000X15000.