November 17, 2016
Special Olympics of New York held its first major fund raiser in Suffolk County, Long Island on November 15th at SimPlay, an indoor multi-sports facility, with St. John’s University participating as one of a host of event sponsors.
The event titled, “Evening of Champions” is designed to help fund Long Island’s more than 6,700-plus Special Olympics athletes. A donation of $400 sponsors one individual athlete to train and compete year round. Special Olympics raised more than $36,000 on the night, and coupled with all fund raising efforts on Long Island since the start of this year the organization will be able to fund 125 athletes for competition in 2017.
WNBC-TV’s Emmy Award Winning sportscaster Bruce Beck served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The highlight of the evening came when Special Olympian, Matthew Schuster, 33, gave an emotional and heart-felt speech to the crowd about his “life-changing experience” as an athlete and ambassador for Special Olympics New York. His speech met with a rousing standing ovation from supporters, donors, sponsors and friends of the organization.
Dominic Scianna, Associate Vice President for External Relations at St. John’s University, serves on the Special Olympics Long Island Committee along with other business and professional leaders. “St. John’s University’s mission is to serve those in need in our communities in New York and across the country, and we take great pride in partnering with the Special Olympics team to support their great cause,” said Scianna.