QSAC Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis Club President Paul Vallone (l.) and QSAC Vice President Paul Halvatzis, one of the QSAC 30th anniversary event's two co-chairs. On October 23, 420 people gathered at Tavern on the Green in Manhattan to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Quality Services for the Autistic Community (QSAC). On hand to receive the Founders' Award were QSAC's longtime vice president, Janice Silber, Thomas and James Prasso, representing their late mother, Georgette Prasso, and Norman and Thea Pulfer, husband and daughter of the late Rosalind Pulfer. The QSAC Humanitarian Award was bestowed on Joel and Diana Parisy in recognition of their tireless advocacy for the disability community and support of the organization. Among many other honorees, members and supporters, Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis Club President Paul Vallone attended; the club is a frequent contributor to QSAC.

Steve Cangialosi, a 20-year veteran of sportscasting in New York City, three-time winner of New York State's Outstanding Sportscast Award and Emmy Award recipient served as the emcee; Maria Milito, who entertains New Yorkers daily on Q104.3, New York's Only Classic Rock Station with her popular feature "Maria's Lunch Licks" and City Councilmember David I. Weprin served as live auctioneer. Entertainment was provided during the cocktail hour by Boggie Dimitrova, singer, songwriter, pianist, and after dinner by BeatLegacy. QSAC Vice President Paul Halvatzis of Amorelli Realty and Scott Bloom of Bloom Real Estate Group served as event co-chairs.

The event, sponsored in part by Morgan Construction Enterprises, NYSE Euronext, Martin Associates, Mazzeo Electric, Cardoza Corporation, Corporate Synergies, AKF Group LLC, Astoria Federal Savings, Four Brothers General Contracting, Mark Lacher, Linear Contracting Inc., New York Partners- Member of John Hancock Financial Network, Swiss International Air Lines, and World's Fair Pharmacy, was a huge success and raised more than $300,000.

QSAC is one of the largest agencies dedicated specifically to autism and provides comprehensive services and programs to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families in New York City and Long Island. QSAC has received the Mental Hygiene Services Award for Excellence from New York City and recognition from the Queens Borough President, the Brooklyn Borough President and the Town of Hempstead for contributions to individuals with autism and their families. More than 2,000 people benefit yearly from QSAC programs, including some 900 individuals who receive direct services. For more information, visit www.qsac.com.