The Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), the leading service provider for children and adults with autism on Long Island, held its fourth annual Rockin' for Autism concert. Nearly 700 Long Islanders packed Mulcahy's Pub and Music Hall in Wantagh to raise a record high of over $30,000 for DDI.
"Despite the tough economic times we all face today, it is heartwarming to witness the generosity of the numerous volunteers and the nearly 700 attendees who have lent themselves to help benefit the more than 5,000 adults and children who receive services daily through DDI's many programs," said Jim Cronin, Chairman of the event and a member of the DDI Foundation Board. "A special thanks to the talented musicians of the Frontiers, One Step Ahead, The Michael Korb Band, The Good Envy and Soul Doctors (Dr. Bob's All Star Wounded Warrior Band) who helped 'rock the house' and made this a genuinely fun, successful event."
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano was in attendance to help mark the special occasion. Executive Mangano presented a Citation to Chairman Jim Cronin for his hard work and dedication to organizing such a successful event for the past four years. DDI Executive Director John Lessard was also presented with a Citation to mark DDI's 50th Anniversary and its mission to support children and adults with developmental disabilities in achieving a lifetime of growth through exceptional care and innovative, individualized service.
"I would like to thank the Developmental Disabilities Institute for the work that they do on behalf of people who have autism and for the developmentally disabled community as a whole," said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano. "It is organizations like DDI that are truly inspiring because they reach out and enhance the lives of others and it was my distinct honor to attend and support DDI at their outstanding Rockin' for Autism event in Wantagh."
"It is truly inspiring to me that each and every year more and more families and friends join DDI at our annual Rockin' for Autism event," stated John Lessard, Executive Director of DDI. "Jim Cronin put together a remarkable event and his dedication and generosity to DDI is incredible and admirable. I would also like to thank Nassau County Executive Mangano for coming out and supporting DDI and our mission."
DDI is a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Smithtown, NY, with more than 30 locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Serving nearly 1,000 children and adults with a diagnosis of an autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), DDI is the largest provider of services for individuals with Autism on Long Island. It provides educational, vocational, and residential programs, as well as medical and dental services for over 1,500 children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI also operates family-centered preschool programs for both children with disabilities as well as typically developing students. DDI was founded in 1961 by a group of parents to address the special educational and therapeutic needs of their children with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI is a member agency of the United Way of Long Island. For more information about DDI, visit www.ddiny.org.