Bayside restaurant owner to be honored by WORC

Richard Ritacco, the owner of First Edition Grill & Bar on Bell Boulevard in Bayside, got involved with Life’s WORC, the non-profit organization that provides support and services to those with developmental disabilities such as mental retardation and autism, in 1990 when he heard about it from fellow Bayside business owner, Ed Kelly, of Kelly’s Car Service. Years later, he rose to be the secretary of the board.
And now, on Thursday, May 18th at the Tam O’Shanter Club in Brookville, Long Island, he will be honored during the 19th Annual Geraldo Rivera Golf & Tennis Classic.
“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “I firmly believe as a local business person, you have to give back to the community. I found my niche with Life’s WORC.”
An officer of Life’s WORC board of directors, Ritacco will be recognized for his efforts in developing and expanding the golf and tennis outing into one of the most prominent on Long Island. He has served as Chairman of the event for the past 12 years.
“It’s always nice to be recognized for what you do,” he said. “But I don’t do it to be recognized. I do it from the bottom of my heart. That’s my reward.”
Life’s WORC was founded in 1971 to provide an alternative to the institutionalizing of people with mental retardation. It was formed in response to the atrocious conditions at the since-closed Willowbrook State Institution - conditions revealed in a series of stories by Rivera. In 1977, Life’s WORC opened their first group home, located in Douglaston and named after Rivera. Rivera initiated this outing 19 years ago to help with funding. Since its inception, the Geraldo Rivera Golf & Tennis Classic has raised over $2 million.
In addition to playing in the event and greeting all guests, Rivera brings many of his celebrity friends, like Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond), Cheech Marin (Cheech & Chong), and Bill O’Reilly (FOX News), among others. “This year’s event promises to be our best ever,” Ritacco said.
Life’s WORC manages 32 homes and 11 community-based service locations throughout Nassau, Suffolk and Queens counties. Anyone interested in learning more about the outing may call Matthew Zebatto at (516) 741-9000, Ext. 241.