Eastchester Resident Honored at Life’s WORC, The Family Center for Autism Gala

EASTCHESTER, NY — Close to 400 people turned out for Life’s WORC and The Family Center for Autism annual fundraising gala Dec. 6, which honored an Eastchester resident.

The gala, which was held in midtown Manhattan, had theme of “The Night of A Million Lights.”

The guest of honor was Mario R. Dell’Aera Jr., of Eastchester. He is partner-in-charge of New York Financial Services for KPMG, LLP and has had a distinguished career in certified public accounting.

Also honored was Emily Levine, 14-year-old student at Roslyn Junior High School, a resident of Roslyn, who is a participant at The Family Center For Autism and 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.

Photo caption: Joining this tribute to (right of him) are: (from left to right): Life's WORC Executive Director Janet Koch, Mario R. Dell’Aera Jr. Susan Dell'Aera, ABC Television Network News Correspondent John Donvan, 2015 "guest of honor" recipient Michael Huseby of Barnes & Noble Education and Life's WORC/Family Center For Autism Board Chairman Rick Del'Mastro. Photo credit: Submitted.