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40th Annual Celebrity Sports Night

May 18, 2006

Albertson, NY — On May 18th Abilities! hosted it’s 40th Annual Celebrity Sports Night raising more than $2 million to support programs and services of the Henry Viscardi School and Abilities, Inc. to benefit children and adults with disabilities.

(L to R) Ed Cortez, President & CEO, Abilities!; Mike Pascucci, President, WLNY TV-55 and Abilities! Board Member; golf legend Jack Nicklaus; and former NHL great Rod Gilbert.

Abilities! was privileged to honor Vicki and Stephen Murphy for their outstanding commitment to the organization. Frank Comerford, President of WNBC-TV NY was recognized as business Sportsman of the Year . Golf legend Jack Nicklaus along with football legend Jim Brown were named Executive Sports Stars and the world renown Irish Tenor and double amputee, Ronan Tynan received the Roy Campanella award.

In his remarks, Ed Cortez, President and CEO of Abilities! stated “We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming generosity of the individuals who participated in this year’s Sports Night—from the celebrity athletes who graciously gave of their time signing autographs, taking photos and having dinner with our guests—to the corporations, foundations and individuals who responded with unprecedented financial support. Our goal this year was to raise $1 million but your strong commitment to the work we do on a daily basis and your benevolence enabled us to double our goal!” Cortez continued “The significance of this fundraiser is that it enables Abilities! to provide thousands of children and adults with disabilities the necessary tools, through our education and employment programs, to become independent and self sufficient members of our society.”

Michael Pascucci, President, WLNY TV-55, who chaired the event stated “I’m truly honored to chair this 40th Annual Celebrity Sports Night. This place [Abilities!] is so great! It has helped literally thousands and thousands of people with disabilities for over 50 years.”

This year’s Executive Sports Stars provided heartfelt recognition for the opportunities the organization provides for all who walk through its doors. In addition to his own generosity, Jack Nicklaus gave special thanks to all of the athletes “for coming out tonight and supporting the exceptional work being done at Abilities!” In his moving and closing remarks, Nicklaus acknowledged those in the room “for guiding and supporting people with disabilities to succeed where circumstances have failed them.” Jim Brown also provided inspiring words, “In life, when you deal with these kids and you deal with their capabilities and you deal with each one of them as an individual and you encourage each one of them to do the best that he or she can do, that’s the way we have to be”… with one another.

As he addressed the audience prior to conducting the live auction, Marty Lyons said “For all of the athletes that came out tonight it’s truly our pleasure, to witness these young athletes at Abilities! and everything they have accomplished—the way that they challenge life, the way that they live life—they truly are an example to each and everyone of us.”

This year’s all-star cast of celebrity athletes also include former NFL greats—Frank Gifford, Ahmad Rashad, Gale Sayers, Tucker Frederickson; Wesley Walker, John Dockery; former MLB greats—Bud Harrelson, Mike Schmidt, Tom Seaver, Ed Charles; former NBA greats—Walt Frazier, John Starks, Jack Garfinkel; former NHL greats—Rod Gilbert, Pat LaFontaine, Bob Nystrom, Steve Webb; figure skating greats—Oksana Baiul, Sarah Hughes, Emily Hughes, JoJo Starbuck; WWE champion Mick Foley; and many more.

Abilities!
Founded in 1952, Abilities! is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where people with disabilities receive the same treatment as all other people and have equal access to the benefits society offers. With a staff of more than 400, including experts in education, human resources and technology, Abilities! has grown to become a global leader in the full integration of people with disabilities into everyday life. More information about Abilities! and its wide range of services to individuals, organizations and private-sector businesses is available at http://www.abilitiesonline.org/

Mission
Abilities! is a non-profit agency that is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to be active, independent, and self-sufficient participants in our society. Through education, training, research, leadership, and example, Abilities! seeks to provide the highest quality services and to influence national attitudes, policies, and legislation in ways that will lead to the greatest benefits for the people it serves.

Abilities, Inc. (an affiliate of Abilities!)
For almost 50 years, Abilities, Inc. has trained people with disabilities in the skills needed to perform at industry standards to meet current workforce demands. Abilities, Inc. evaluates, trains and serves over 6,000 individuals and places approximately 1,500 into competitive jobs each year. Its track record is unsurpassed in the excellence of our training programs and the success of our participants in finding jobs.

Abilities, Inc. staff works with individuals to develop and focus on their unique abilities that can be applied to the career of their choice. Courses are designed to increase the independence and marketability of individuals with disabilities. While addressing different skills, all of the courses are designed to increase the number of individuals with disabilities who secure competitive employment.

Henry Viscardi School (an affiliate of Abilities!)
The Henry Viscardi School (HVS), founded in 1962, is one of eleven “4201” Schools in New York State—a unique group of schools that provide educational services to children who are severely disabled. Providing an accredited academic program for grades pre-k through 12, for children aged 4 through 21, HVS serves children who reside in as many as 72 school districts on Long Island, New York City and Westchester, County. The Henry Viscardi School is a resource to all of these districts when they cannot accommodate the medical needs of a child with a severe disability or multiple disabilities. Approximately 220 children with severe medical and physical disabilities are enrolled annually.