Life’s WORC/The Family Center For Autism of Garden City will hold its annual gala on Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. at the Garden City Hotel. This occasion is the main fundraiser to support a variety of activities and services (not covered by government funds) for this developmental disabilities and autism community where some 2200 people receive services. Attendance and journal reservations can be made by contacting 516-741-9000 (extension: 15000) or by email to mzebatto@lifesworc.org.
Guests of Honor for the $350 per ticket event are: William E. “Bill” Brown, chief retail officer of Investors Bank (Short Hills, New Jersey); Stacey and Jon Zauderer (Roslyn), and Rick Del Mastro, chairman of City Sign USA (Amagansett; New York City).
William Brown, the 2019 corporate honoree, is responsible for the sales, services, and operations of some 150 full-service retail Investors Bank branches in New York and New Jersey. This includes the business banking, wealth management, small business, and consumer lending divisions. Investors Bank has deep roots and a strong commitment to “community banking” where Brown works closely with non-profits, civic organizations, and government agencies. He is a strong advocate for Investors Bank “giving back” through grant initiatives, volunteerism, and sponsorships.
Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations at Boston University and served nearly eight years in the United States Navy as a naval flight officer, which included assignments at the Pentagon. Brown, his wife and two children are residents of Staten Island.
Stacy and Jon Zauderer of Roslyn are being recognized as a “model family” together with their five children. Their son, Matthew, 27, has severe autism and is a resident of a Life’s WORC group residence where he has been thriving and making progress. Jon, a Global tech specialist for Exane BNP Paribas, has over thirty years of Wall Street experience. With Stacy, and their other four children, Alyssa, Alex, Justin, and Ethan, the whole family has become engaged, enthusiastic supporters of Life’s WORC/The Family Center For Autism.
Rick Del Mastro, who will be honored with a lifetime achievement award, has been a member of this organization’s board for thirty years, serving as chairman for many of them. Under his leadership, this organization has seen growth and expansion, including the opening of the Family Center For Autism and the 10,000 square feet state-of-the-art Del Mastro Pavillion. It was initiated through a $1 million contribution from the Del Mastro Family. Del Mastro, his wife, Cynthia, his two daughters Jennifer Del Mastro and Dawn Chruma and son-in-law Chris Chruma have been consistent, spirited participants in all of the organization’s activities.
Life’s WORC/The Family Center For Autism was launched 49 years ago by communications media executive Victoria Schneps with help from broadcast journalist icon Geraldo Rivera. Both remain active with the agency today, which operates 43 group residences in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, and Manhattan. Life’s WORC/FCA has a variety of vocational, recreational, rehabilitation programs and is an employer of some 800 people.
Submitted by Life’s WORC/The Family Center For Autism.
