Easter Seals New York Hits a Home Run for Disability Services at Yankee Stadium

Annual Awards Gala Recognizes Outstanding Leaders for Individuals with Disabilities

Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 6:30 p.m. at Yankee Stadium, One East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451

NEW YORK, June 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Easter Seals New York will host its annual awards gala in the Yankee Stadium Legends Suite Club Tuesday evening. The World of Hope Gala will honor those who exemplify hope through their invaluable dedication to the Easter Seals New York mission and who have significantly impacted the lives of individuals with disabilities or special needs.

Easter Seals New York State Board Member, activist and charity campaigner Heather Mills will receive the organization's highest honor, the Lilli and Allan Shedlin Award, for her uncompromising commitment to helping others, her advocacy and generosity. As an Easter Seals New York International Advocate for Children with Disabilities, Heather Mills has demonstrated her commitment to helping communities in need.

"We are privileged to count Heather Mills, Arvin Shah, Stephen Katzman and Mario Andreani among our champions and friends; we are proud to honor them with three meaningful awards on Tuesday evening," says Easter Seals New York SVP, John W. McGrath.

The organization and the We Live to Give Foundation will also honor philanthropist Arvin Shah. President of Sky Bird Travel and Tours, Arvin Shah, has been instrumental to the Easter Seals New York and We Live to Give's India Initiative, a program that will strive to enhance educational and medical programs for those living with disabilities or special needs in Indian communities.  

The evening will also recognize Stephen Katzman, owner of S. Katzman Produce and Co-President of Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative, and Mario Andreani, manager of S. Katzman Produce. Stephen Katzman's and Mario Andreani's altruism and humanitarianism has helped Easter Seals New York provide essential services to those with unmet needs throughout the state of New York.

"As our community faces more challenges and is in need of more support than ever, we are honored to recognize these exemplary individuals who are committed to enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities or special needs, locally and globally," says John L. Mascialino, Chairman of the Board for Easter Seals New York.

Easter Seals is the Nation's leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental, physical, and mental disabilities, and other special needs. Easter Seals New York provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. For almost 90 years, Easter Seals New York has been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them.  

For more information about Easter Seals New York or our annual awards gala, World of Hope, please visit www.eastersealsny.org.

Contact: Elizabeth Lind, (917) 292-4845, [email protected]

SOURCE Easter Seals New York