BY TONIA N. CIMINO
tcimino@queenscourier.com
Eleven years ago, New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC) was born when a group of parents, faced with autism, “banded together to support and love each other through the rough times, the fear, the confusion and the mystery that is autism.”
On Thursday, February 26, hundreds gathered to support the group, which now benefits 4,200 children – and this year’s honorees, ranging from Governor David A. Paterson to The Courier’s own photographer, Nick Beneduce.
According to NYFAC, one in 150 children will be diagnosed with autism.
“It is a devastating disability,” said Andrew Baumann, President of NYFAC, whose mission is to “Help parents help their children . . . one family at a time.”
He thanked all in attendance for “Eleven years of hard work, motivation, and non-stop support,” before introducing NYFAC celebrity spokesperson Mallory Lewis (daughter of the late Shari Lewis) and Lamb Chop, who entertained the crowd with the duet “Anything you can do I can do better.”
The evening’s guests of honor also included Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer, Senator Joseph Addabbo, newly elected City Councilmember Eric Ulrich and Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.
The honorees included Dr. Michael Elice and Dr. Marvin Boris, who were the recipients of the Autism Inspiration Award; the Autism Advocacy Award went to Michele Kule-Korgood, Esq.; Rebecca and Scott Caruthers received the Community Service Award; Joseph E. Bergen, Assistant Vice President of New York Community Bank was given the Humanitarian Award; and Paterson was presented the Guardian Angel Award for his autism advocacy.
After taking office, Paterson formed an inter-agency Task Force on Autism as well as the New York State Autism Spectrum Disorders Consortium.
“They [children] are God’s gift to us, but it will be God’s judgment of us how we treat these people.”
He vowed, “As long as I’m in office, they will get the services they rightfully deserve.”
The Courier’s own Nick Beneduce, who received rousing applause, and to whom Addabbo joked, “You always get my good side,” was honored for his commitment to the craft, and for his participation in NYFAC’s “I want to be” series.
“He let the kids go to his studio and he gave each one of them a camera,” said Baumann.
“I have met many outstanding people during my travels as a photographer,” said Beneduce. “I now call many of these people my friends, and I am sincerely thankful for the recognition and support of my friends, family and community.”
Each honoree received citations from Congress, the Assembly, Senate and City Council.
Councilmember David Weprin then presented NYFAC with a check for $75,000 in support of their programs.
And since the event also served as a fundraiser, there was a silent auction, with proceeds going to NYFAC’s own center “to treat, play with and enjoy the company of all the families we serve,” according to Baumann, who noted that NYFAC recently acquired property at Centerville Street and Pitkin Avenue in Ozone Park toward that end.
He unveiled plans for the building, which he said would house a gym and after school program.
To learn more about NYFAC, or to help, visit www.nyfac.org.
