November 19, 2024 - The Brooklyn Times - bklyntimes.com

It was a cause for celebration on Sunday as the Guild for Exceptional Children hosted its 2024 Exceptional Honorees gala on Sunday, Nov. 17 at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island.

The event recognized the remarkable contributions of local leaders who have made significant impacts on their communities, while also serving as a fundraiser for the Guild.

This year’s honorees included restaurateurs Gerard Bell and Billy Gardella of Skinflints, and Joseph Mancino of Peppino’s, as well as Stephen D. Chiaino, Esq. and Ralph Succar. Each was celebrated for their dedication to improving the lives of Brooklyn residents and their unwavering support of GEC’s mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities.

“The gala went great — it exceeded expectations,” said Joseph Riley, GEC’s executive director and CEO. “We had nearly 350 people in attendance, and it was quite a happy crowd. The team at Gargiulo’s did a fantastic job meeting everyone’s needs. We had some really wonderful honorees, and of course, the mission of the Guild was front and center.”

GEC residents showcase their moves. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta

Riley lauded the community’s commitment to supporting GEC, emphasizing the critical role local leaders, businesses, and residents play in advancing the organization’s mission.

“We’re a neighborhood organization,” he told Brooklyn Paper. “The community has adopted us as their own and Bay Ridge has been very supportive of us.”

The honorees, representing a range of industries from hospitality to law, were recognized for their leadership and community service.

“Our honorees were a who’s who of really nice Bay Ridge leaders,” Riley said, noting that all of the evening’s honorees support the Guild in their yearly fundraising efforts and that some of them — like Bell, Gardella and Mancino — even employ some of the GEC’s residents at their establishments.

Joseph Riley, GEC’s executive director and CEO, shakes hands with his predecessor Paul Cassone. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta

GEC was founded in 1958, and has long been a trailblazer in advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established by a dedicated group of parents and friends of people with developmental disabilities, GEC’s mission has been to help individuals lead fulfilling lives while reaching their fullest potential.

Over the decades, GEC has grown from a grassroots organization into a leader in advocacy and services. It opened New York City’s first group home in 1970, and today, serves more than 500 individuals and family members daily.

The money raised will help fund infrastructure improvements at the Guild’s facilities.

“We were very lucky in the early days of the Guild that our founding board had the foresight to invest in property,” he said, “so back in the day, when these organizations were brand new and the government was liberal with financing, we bought up some buildings — but now those buildings are over 100 years old.”

The Guild has spent more than $300,000 this year alone on renovations, Riley said — some of it to improve accessibility, some to just keep the electric, plumbing and lights running.

Honorees and guests gather at Gargiulo’s Restaurant for the GEC’s 2024 Exceptional Honorees gala, celebrating contributions to Brooklyn’s developmentally disabled community.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta

“The state does supply some funding but it’s limited,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons why these fundraisers are so important.”

After everything was said and done, Riley said, guests took to the dance floor — but none were more celebrant than the Guild’s residents. “The last hour or two, they take over the dance floor,” he said. “It’s always a celebration of bliss.”

He added that the residents’ “unbridled love and enthusiasm” is something all could learn from.

And as for the gala, Riley said simply, “a good time was had by all.”