HKSB in the Media
Two Honored At Sound & Light Gala
ABLE—The Newspaper Positively For, By & About the Disabled
November 2006
With more than 450 people in attendance, Helen Keller Services for the Blind held its 30th Anniversary Sound & Light Gala on September 26th at Cipriani’s 42nd Street to honor two men for their significant and longtime commitment to the community - Harvey Ross, founder and former Chairman of Viva International Group and Vincent F. Palagiano, chairman and chief executive officer of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh.
Both Mr. Ross and Mr. Palagiano have made noteworthy contributions, through their work both personally and professionally, to impact those individuals whom Helen Keller Services for the Blind has strived to assist.
Several dignitaries were on hand to honor Mr. Ross and Mr. Palagiano, including Commissioner Matthew P. Sapolin from the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD); and Commissioner Joseph Bruno of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
The honorees were presented with special proclamations from the office of State Senator Carl Marcellino and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi. Representatives from the office of State Senator David A. Paterson, April Robbin-Bobyn and Marlena Burroughs, made a special presentation honoring Mr. Ross and Mr. Palagiano for their lifetime support.
The focus of the evening was on the children served by Helen Keller Services of the Blind through their Early Intervention Program and The Children’s Learning Center.
The event was moderated by Mistress of Ceremonies, Dana Tyler, co-anchor of CBS2 News.
Captions to the photos that appeared with this article:
April Robbin-Bobyn and Marlena Burroughs, representing Sen. David Paterson, left and right respectively, honored, left to right, Harvey Ross, Larry Wizel, and Vincent Palagiano.
Helen Keller National Center Director Joe McNulty, MOPD Commissioner Matthew Sapolin and OEM Commissioner Joe Bruno with Sapolin’s guide dog, Compass.
