NJ Senator Sweeney to Speak at Community Options’ Gala to Celebrate Nonprofit’s 20 Years in New York
August 31, 2016 | Press Release.pdf
NJ Senator Sweeney to Speak at Community Options’ Gala to Celebrate Nonprofit’s 20 Years in New York
PRINCETON, NJ – To celebrate Community Options providing 20 years of service in the state of New York, the national nonprofit will hold a national fundraising Gala on Thursday, October 6 to honor the milestone. The Gala will take place at Pier 61 of The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers at 6 p.m. The festivities will include cocktails, dinner and a silent auction. Headlining the event will be the keynote speaker, New Jersey Senate President, Stephen Sweeney. Sweeney will also receive the Parent Advocate Leadership Award.
“Highlighting 20 years of life-changing work in just a single night? When it comes to honoring Community Options, I’m always willing to help,” said Senator Stephen Sweeney.
“Senator Sweeney is more than a large political leader, he is the parent of a child with downs syndrome,” said Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “He is more than an advocate for just New Jersey; he is an advocate for parents and families of persons with disabilities everywhere. Senator Sweeney is a devoted father and a role model.”
Born and raised in New Jersey, Sweeney has served as Senate President since 2010, after earning a Senate seat in 2002. Sweeney spent nearly 15 years on the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders, including several years as Director. He is currently the Vice President of the International Association of Iron Workers.
“Today with the increases in the incidences of autism and children born with intellectual disabilities, and New Jersey’s waiting list of well over 7,000 people with disabilities in need of services, Senator Sweeney knows that we are at a crisis level for need,” said Svetlana Repic-Qira, Regional Vice President of Community Options’ New Jersey. “We hope he will offer leadership and direction for New Jersey to begin to look at ways to tackle these problems.”
“Community Options has made a difference in so many lives by helping people with disabilities live up to their fullest potential,” said Sweeney. “I can’t wait to join in the celebration and look forward to seeing everyone there.”
The Community Options’ gala committee is expecting 300 people from all over the country to attend the event.
The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers is located at 23rd Street and West Side Highway in New York City.
For more information about the gala, please contact Lisa Smith at Lisa.Smith@comop.org or 609-951-9900.
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About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 25 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment programs for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people through 38 offices across 10 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination.
For more information please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the ComOpCares campaign, search #ComOpCares on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.