GEC celebrates and supports its mission

The Guild for Exceptional Children hosted its annual gala on Friday, October 12 at El Caribe in Mill Basin. The event was aimed at raising money for the organization’s building fund.

“This is our main fundraising event,” said Paul Cassone, the Guild’s executive director. “We want to open more facilities and repair old ones, so this was important.”

Cassone said that an early tally put the amount of money raised at around $40,000. The money is going to fund the opening of a new center in Marine Park, which would service individuals in that area, as well as the development of a center specifically tailored for the elderly, and a new music center. Cassone said he was thrilled and grateful for the show of generosity.

State Senator Marty Golden, City Councilmember Vincent Gentile, and Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis were a few local politicians present at the event. Awards were presented to honorees who have greatly helped the Guild in some way, followed by a meal and music.

Cassone said raising money for the building fund was one of the Guild’s first priorities. “It’s a logical extension of our mission,” he said, “and it’ll help a lot of people.”