Garden City Company To Host Annual Gala In NYC

From Danny Frank: Based on the success of last year’s fundraiser event at NYC’s famous Gotham Hall (35th Street/Broadway/midtown Manhattan), Life’s WORC/The Family Center For Autism (lifesworc.org, thefamilycenterforautism.org) will again be holding its annual gala there on Tuesday, December 5th, 6 PM.

Tickets are already being sold as there is a groundswell of support for the “powerhouse” guest of honor: Rocco B. Commisso. Mr. Commisso, a long-time New York area resident is Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Mediacom Communications Corporation (Mediacom Park, New York), and Chairman of the New York Cosmos (North American Soccer League). Mediacom Communications, which Mr. Commisso established in 1995 is ranked as the nation’s fifth largest cable television provider with 4600 employees, serving nearly 1.4 million customers in 22 states and annual revenues of more than $1.8B.

Explains Matt Zebatto, Life’s WORC/Family Center For Autism Assistant Executive Director: “Our organization is proud and privileged to gain Mr. Commisso’s energy and focus for our December 5th dinner celebration. Rocco Commisso is one of the most accomplished, successful business owners Life’s WORC/Family Center For Autism has been able to honor.”

Life’s WORC Board Chairman Rick Del Mastro says that: “Mr. Commisso comes to us as the recipient of a multitude of past honors, recognitions, and achievements. It is so gratifying and meaningful to the board, staff, families and people served by our agency that this man believes in our mission and wants to support our work.”

Born in Calabria, Italy, Mr. Commisso immigrated to the United States at age twelve. His career included positions at Pfizer, Chase Manhattan Bank (J.P. Morgan/Chase), Royal Bank of Canada, and Cablevision Industries before he launched his own cable television company.

Life’s WORC Board Vice Chairperson Lynne Koufakis notes that: “Rocco Commisso has already been using his resources to benefit our organization. Through Mr. Commisso the Life’s WORC “family” was able to enjoy a great evening, Saturday, July 29th at MCU Park in Coney Island for the New York Cosmos game. It was wonderful that Life’s WORC was the featured, spotlighted guest that night. And people with autism were given the opportunity to perform the National Anthem at the start of the game against Miami FC.”

Life’s WORC/The Family Center For Autism headquartered in Garden City, New York was launched nearly fifty years ago by New York City/Long Island newspaper publisher/media executive Victoria Schneps of Roslyn Harbor, with help from broadcast journalist icon Geraldo Rivera (who remains active with the organization today). The non-profit agency provides a variety of residential and treatment services in western Suffolk, Nassau County, eastern Queens, and in Manhattan for some 1600 people with developmental disabilities and more than 100 people with autism. The organization is an employer of more than 600 people.

December 5th gala tickets are $425 per person with tables of ten at $4000. Journal advertising and other sponsorships are available. Patti Ann Browne, Fox News Channel Anchor, will be the Master of Ceremonies. For details, telephone 516-741-9000X15000.

Image courtesy of Danny Frank