QSAC Takes Top Prize In TV Contest

Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC, www.qsac.com), a New York charity, was the grand prize winner in a Chronicle of Philanthropy national contest that invited people to create their own ideas of how volunteerism could be incorporated into their favorite television shows.

As the grand prize winner, QSAC won $5,000 from the Chronicle and a full-page ad in the November issue announcing the prize. The entry was submitted by Joe Moran, QSAC assistant director of multimedia development, and Marissa Goldberg, development associate, who created a video showing how “30 Rock” could highlight the organization’s work in one of its episodes. The plot involves a cast member’s confusion over the words “artistic” and “autistic” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQU fVefUi2o). Moran and Goldberg are also partners in MorGold Media (www.morgoldmedia.com), a production company that develops content for mixed media and live performance.

“We were excited to have our entry chosen as the grand prize winner,” QSAC Executive Director Gary Maffei stated. “It’s a pleasure to work with such talented and dedicated people as Joe Moran and Marissa Goldberg on a daily basis.”

The contest was inspired by the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s iParticipate promotion, which featured more than 100 network and cable shows that included the theme of volunteerism in their programs during the week of October 19 to 25. Entrants in the Chronicle contest were encouraged to submit ideas about how they would incorporate their favorite charities into the plot lines of popular television shows. More than 150 people entered the contest. A committee of judges, including entertainment officials, celebrities, and nonprofit experts, awarded prizes to the top three entries.

QSAC, an award-winning organization and one of the largest agencies dedicated specifically to autism, provides comprehensive services and programs to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families in New York City and Long Island. Founded in 1978, QSAC today has 21 facilities in Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens and Nassau County. More than 2,000 people benefit yearly from its programs, including 900 individuals who receive direct services. Many participants represent challenging cases referred to QSAC by Boards of Education and the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. All QSAC services are geared towards providing people with autism the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to lead a more independent, productive and fulfilled life.