HKSB News Release
Helen Keller Holds 30th Annual Gala
New York, October, 2006
With over 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.
Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s mission is to help individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired and who may have additional disabilities to develop independence and to participate actively in their communities. 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; Commissioner Joseph Bruno of the Office of Emergency Management; Claudio Del Vecchio president and chief executive officer of Brooks Brothers and Christopher Maher, executive vice president of The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh. 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.
