We’re Golden! The Viscardi Center, a network of non-profit organizations dedicated to educating, employing, and empowering children and adults with disabilities, will host its 50th Annual Celebrity Sports Night on May 19, 2016.
For five decades, the premier fundraising event has attracted hundreds of community leaders, philanthropists, celebrities, and sports legends to The Viscardi Center campus in Albertson, NY—and this year’s milestone evening is no exception. Headlining the event are New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl Champion, Eli Manning, and four-time Emmy-winning host of HBO’s “Real Sports,” Bryant Gumbel.
Joining Manning and Gumbel as the evening’s celebrity honorees is Victoria Arlen, 2012 Paralympic Gold Medalist and spokesperson for people with disabilities. Other guests include Kenny Albert, Sarah Hughes, Bud Harrelson, Mookie Wilson, Mick Foley, Dwight “Doc” Gooden, and Karl Nelson.
The 50th Anniversary red carpet event kicks off with a cocktail reception, during which guests can snap selfies and mingle with dozens of athletes and celebrities. Following a sports memorabilia-themed silent auction and formal sit-down dinner, students of the Henry Viscardi School, which provides specialized education for children with severe physical disabilities, and celebrity attendees will participate in an original performance directed by JoJo Starbuck, former Olympic Figure Skating Champion. A live auction, featuring a selection of experiences and packages, rounds out the night.
Presented by the Ralph & Lucy Palleschi Family Foundation and Chaired by John Gutleber, the President and CEO of Castagna Realty Co., Inc., the night will honor Ralph Palleschi, President and CEO, First Long Island Investors, LLC and Richard Daly, President and CEO, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
Proceeds support programs and services that directly benefit the lives of children and adults with disabilities on Long Island and in the New York metro area.
Tickets and sponsorships are available online. For more information, please visit www.viscardicenter.org/sportsnight.
About The Viscardi Center
Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. Presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center educates, employs and empowers children and adults with disabilities. It provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement, assistive technology, adapted driver education and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents and adults with disabilities, and businesses.