Shema Kolainu Tenth Anniversary Breakfast, August 5

Published in:
The Five Towns Jewish Times

Shema Kolainu–Hear Our Voices, a school and center for children with autism, is scheduled to host its annual legislative breakfast in the Renaissance Ballroom in Brooklyn on Tuesday, August 5. President and founder Joshua Weinstein discussed the remarkable progress which has been made over the last 10 years: “Ten years ago Shema Kolainu opened its doors to three school-age children—the first school and center of its kind. Today, we serve about fifty children in our preschool and school-age programs and over 800 children in home-based services. It is a totally remarkable feat accomplished with Hashem’s help and guidance.”

A primary goal of this event is to educate legislators about the urgency of autism care and research, raise support and awareness, and share ideas about working toward dealing with autism through effective public policy and legislation. In addition, communal leaders, civic and religious leaders, community philanthropists, and elected officials will be in attendance to pay tribute to several outstanding public officials and community leaders for their dedication in furthering the mission of Shema Kolainu.

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton will serve as honorary chairs of the breakfast. John A. Catsimatidis, chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group, Inc., will serve as breakfast chair. Menachem Lubinsky, the dynamic president and CEO of Lubicom Marketing Consulting, will be the master of ceremonies. This event is generously being sponsored by Gristedes.

Shema Kolainu–Hear Our Voices looks forward to expressing gratitude to several honorees. New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is to receive the State Leadership Award for his commitment to the cause and ideals of Shema Kolainu. New York State Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith will be receiving the Legislative Leadership Award for his tireless efforts to create and pass legislation helpful to the needs of our community. For his diligent efforts in supporting and sponsoring the autism initiative, which has raised funds for autism research, the Shema Kolainu Autism Leadership Award will go to David I. Weprin, New York City Council Finance Chair.

The Legislative Leadership Award will be given to New York City Councilman Bill de Blasio for his dedication to the community. For his endless support of community initiatives and specifically to Shema Kolainu, Charles J. Antonucci, CEO and president of the Park Avenue Bank, will be given the Shema Kolainu Appreciation Award. Yitzchok (Jules) Fleischer, the community liaison to State Senator Diane Savino, will be given the Community Tribute Award for his service to the community. Bruce Rudolph, the director of the New York City Department of Design and Construction, will be given the Shema Kolainu Hakoras HaTov Award for all the hard work and dedication he puts in on behalf of the community. State Senator Kevin S. Parker is to address the audience. Greetings will be delivered by Councilman Simcha Felder.

Shema Kolainu recognizes all of these leaders’ support on all issues pertaining to mental health and developmental disabilities.

Shema Kolainu is a non-denominational nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of children with autism in the five boroughs of New York. Renowned for its pioneering approach based on the science of applied behavior analysis, Shema Kolainu offers education and other services for autism care. Statistics confirm that autism has risen by epidemic proportions. Vital and urgent expenses for care, education, and resources are staggering. Shema Kolainu hopes to build awareness and support to allow more children and families to benefit from the school’s valuable and essential services and programs.

This event is to be coordinated by The Friedlander Group. To reserve a place at the breakfast, please call 718-436-5555 or visit www.shemakolainu.org.