It was a “hole in one” success for Life’s WORC.
The organization, which provides comprehensive support for individuals with developmental disabilities, said that its recent 24th Annual Gerald Rivera Golf and Tennis Classic generated over $100,000 — and a great day of golf and tennis for the over 120 participants.
One golfer in particular, Jack Carney, scored a hole in one, earning him a $10,000 prize.
The event honored East Meadow resident Alan B. Hodish, Esq., a widely-recognized former teacher/coach and attorney.
The annual fundraiser took place at the Plandome Country Club in Plandome, NY and was sponsored by the event’s nameseake, Fox News broadcaster Geraldo Rivera; Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly of “The O’Reilly Factor,” and the leading law firm of Duffy & Duffy.
“We are always very appreciative of the tremendous turnout we have for our golf and tennis classic,” said Life’s WORC President/CEO Peter Smergut. “In addition to the camaraderie and networking opportunities it provides, the event gives us the opportunity to honor outstanding, compassionate individuals such as this year’s honoree, Alan Hodish, who, through his valuable roles as a teacher/coach, attorney and community advocate, continues to improve the quality of life for many Long Islanders.”
In addition to great golf and tennis, guests enjoyed a fabulous barbecue luncheon, cocktail reception and dinner. Awards were presented to t he top golfers and tennis players.
Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Life’s WORC (formerly WORC) was co-founded in 1971 by Victoria Schneps-Yunis, whose daughter resided in the Willowbrook State Institution. Following a scathing investigative report by Geraldo Rivera in 1977 which uncovered gross abuses and neglect of the institution’s residents, Schneps rallied friends, political contacts and Rivera to help further advance the cause of people with mental retardation.
These efforts resulted in the opening of its first group home in Little Neck in 1977 – the Geraldo Rivera Residence. It would become the first of many others and the impetus behind the expanded services Life’s WORC now provides throughout Queens (19), Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Currently, Life’s WORC maintains 35 home and 16 non-residential community-based services across the region.
To learn more about their services, visit www.lifesworc.org.
