Garden City, NY - The Long Island community recently shared in the spirit of giving to support individuals with epilepsy and developmental disabilities during the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island's 'Purple Diamond Gala: A Royal Affair' at Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, NY.
While the event promoted awareness and support for the availability of more programs and services for individuals with epilepsy, it also saluted several important advocates and contributors within the epilepsy community. Among this year's honorees were St. Charles Hospital of Port Jefferson, NY as Corporate Honoree; David Anschel, MD of Rocky Point, NY, Director of Clinical Neurophysiology at St. Charles Hospital, as Professional Leadership Honoree; The Garske Family of Wantagh, NY as Family of the Year; and LaLa Vasquez Anthony, TV personality and wife of NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, who was named Community Leadership Award Honoree.
In addition to generating a strong community turnout, the foundation received a significant contribution from MV Transportation of California, which donated a state-of-the-art MV-1 model accessibility van valued at $45,000 to help the foundation with transportation for their consumers. The MV-1 is an American-made vehicle designed and assembled specifically for those with disabilities and has become the new benchmark among paratransit vehicles for durability, comfort and style. Extended support was also provided by the evening's Diamond Sponsors: HUB International Northeast, The Luneberg Family, and Anita and Larry Slatky.
"We are so grateful to all of the advocates and supporters who have invested in our mission and our cause," said Tom Hopkins, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island. "Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island is dedicated to serving individuals with epilepsy on Long Island as well as their families. Our agency is faced with the challenge of serving an increasing number of individuals who are in need of our programs while we fill the sizeable funding gap we endured through federal and state budget cuts and a slow economy. Every ounce of support counts and allows us to continue making a difference."
Guests of the gala received the royal treatment as they were transported to the likes of Buckingham Palace, courtesy of talents and time donated by the Nassau Community College's Interior and Fashion Design Departments, and enjoyed an evening of regal dining and entertainment along with a rare opportunity to mingle among Prince William and Duchess Kate look-alikes.
Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the vital programs and services that the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island provides for Long Island individuals with epilepsy and other developmental disabilities and their families.
About The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island
Founded in 1953 by a small group of parents who were determined to see their children lead productive and satisfying lives, the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island provides vital services for people with epilepsy and other developmental disabilities. Our mission is to ensure that people with seizures and/or developmental disabilities are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through research, education, advocacy and services. For more information, please visit http://www.efli.org or call 516-739-7733.