Record-Breaking $132,000+ Raised at ACLD Foundation’s 8TH Annual "Poker for a Purpose" Fundraiser

The ACLD Foundation raised over $132,000 during its 8th Annual Poker for a Purpose Poker and Casino Event, held on February 26 at The Fox Hollow in Woodbury, NY. The event welcomed 250 attendees, bringing together community and business leaders, supporters, and friends of ACLD for an evening of poker, casino-style gaming and philanthropy to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Proceeds from the event will go toward ACLD’s Residential Vacation Fund, which provides people living in ACLD’s residential programs the opportunity to enjoy vacations and recreational activities with all the supports and assistance needed to ensure safe, meaningful and memorable trips.

“Poker for a Purpose continues to grow because of the incredible generosity and passion of our donors,” said ACLD President/CEO Robert Ciatto. “Our record-breaking attendance and fundraising efforts are a testament to the strength of this community and its commitment to creating meaningful experiences for the people we support.”

Ciatto also praised this year’s honoree, Dave Compitello and SERVPRO of Huntington, whose leadership helped make the event legendary. “Dave is truly larger than life when it comes to giving his all and supporting his community. A giant of a man, with a giant heart. We cannot thank him enough for his tireless efforts and his ability to rally so many people to make this night the most successful Poker for a Purpose event we’ve ever held.”

The evening’s most moving and touching moment came when Julie Carlsson, an ACLD resident of 25 years, addressed everyone in attendance and shared how much the ACLD Residential Vacation Fund means to residents.

“I’ve gotten to go on many vacations, but my favorite by far was to Rocking Horse Ranch,” Carlsson said. “I think it’s important to go on vacations so you can clear your head and step back from reality. By being here tonight, you are making these vacations possible for all residents.”

Since its inception, Poker for a Purpose has raised more than $540,000, ensuring all ACLD residents have the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and enjoy experiences that foster independence, friendship and joy.

Major sponsors for Poker for a Purpose included: Ace Sponsors: Cleanco Distributors, Inc.; Community Care Rx, Inc.; Suris & Associates, PLLC & Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology

King Sponsors: BankUnited, Inc.; Barshay, Rizzo & Lopez, PLLC; Capitol Garment Restoration; Citrin Cooperman Advisors, LLC; EJ Autism Foundation; First Adjustment Group, Inc.; Forest Hills Financial Group; Jovia Financial Credit Union; Lever & Ecker, PLLC; M&T Bank; Maximino Contracting; OceanFirst Bank

Queen Sponsors: All Boro, Inc.; Babylon Cabinet Company; BDO USA, P.C.; Camps ‘R’ Us; CCP Solutions; EisnerAmper; Enterprise Fleet Management; The Fox Hollow; iSolved; Lessing’s Hospitality Group; Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp.; PMG Strategic, Inc.; Prism Specialties Art of NY & LI

Jack Sponsors: A&C Pest Management; Aibara Reed Law Group, LLC; Around the Clock Enterprises, Inc.; Bussani Mobility Services; ClientFirst Strategy, Inc.; CMYK Print Group, Inc.;CBA—Conceive, Believe, Achieve; East Neck Insurance Agency; Maggio Environmental, LLC; PCI Waste Services; Rosenthal Law, LLC; Time Shred Services

About Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD)Founded in 1957, ACLD is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency whose mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with autism, learning, and developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, promote independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,300 people and operates more than 100 program sites including community residences and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Services include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement programs, respite, family support services, and occupational, speech and physical therapies. For more information about ACLD, visit: www.acld.org.