2020 E-Journal OCTOBER 2020
LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS SPONSOR
Honoring Bethpage Federal Credit Union
2020 E-Journal
A Message from….Thomas Pfundstein Chair of the Board of Directors Thank you for supporting UCP 2020 Life Without Limits Gala Campaign. UCP of Long Island has been an extension of my family for the past 16 years. My son, Joseph, attends the Children’s Center where he receives the personalized services that best meet his needs and help him thrive. The Children’s Center provides educational programs to 75+ children with disabilities, using assistive technologies, innovative programs and a wide variety of developmental experiences that encourage each child’s cognitive, language, physical, and social development. Combined with a loving and talented staff, the Children’s Center enables Joseph and his peers to live a Life Without Limits. 2020 marks UCP’s 70th anniversary. While we are not celebrating in-person this year, we are joined by our shared commitment to UCP’s important mission. It is my sincere pleasure to congratulate our 2020 Life Without Limits honoree, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. For more than a decade Bethpage Federal Credit Union has supported us financially, supplied us with enthusiastic volunteers, and been a constant presence at our fundraising events. They are the definition of partners and we are a stronger organization thanks to their commitment to our mission. On behalf of the Board of Directors we extend our warmest thanks to Bethpage Federal Credit Union. I would also like to express our thanks to our 2020 Life Without Limits Gala Campaign sponsors: Bethpage Federal Credit Union, BNB Bank, M&T Bank, People’s United Bank, Medford Chemist, Sterling National Bank, American Portfolio, Corporate Synergies, Farrell Fritz, Professional Group Plans, and Signature Bank. Finally, it is my pleasure to welcome UCP’s new President & CEO, Colleen Crispino. For more than twenty years, Colleen has worked with agencies dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, including AHRC, Head Injury Association and most recently, The Viscardi Center. Coincidentally, very early in her career Colleen was a vocational rehabilitation intern at UCP-LI. Today, we are pleased to welcome her back and feel fortunate that she will be leading us as we begin our next 70 years of providing excellent services. To learn more about our programs or make a donation, please visit our website: www.ucp-li.org. We look forward to seeing you at our 2021 Life Without Limits Gala.
A Message from…. Colleen Crispino, President & CEO
I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your tireless support of the work we do every day at UCP-LI. You truly help us support children and adults with disabilities to pursue a Life Without Limits. In my short time at the helm of this amazing organization, I have come to realize two profound things about UCP-LI. First, the services we provide are vitally important and are more critical now than ever before. Second, our staff are incredibly resilient and committed to UCP-LI’s mission. The children and adults with disabilities we serve have goals and dreams and rely on our services to live their best life. We will not let them down. Since we were unable to host our Life Without Limits Gala, we decided to launch a video campaign in an effort to raise critically needed funds. Each video shares a story of Individuals living their best life. Please visit our Facebook page to see all the reasons you should be extremely proud to be a supporter of UCP-LI: (https://www.facebook.com/UCPofLongIsland/) I encourage you to share them with people you might have invited to our 2020 Gala in the hopes that they will join you in support of our critical work. Your generosity helps us to enhance our services and face the challenges today and in our future. Please visit our website, www.ucp-li.org, to make a donation to help us reach our goal. I would like to extend our thanks to our 2020 Life Without Limits sponsors and particularly to our Honoree, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. In addition, thank you to BNB Bank, M&T Bank and People’s United Bank for their Integrity Sponsorships. We also thank Medford Chemist, Sterling National Bank, Corporate Synergies, Farrell Fritz, P.C., Professional Group Plans and Signature Bank for their continuing and steadfast support.
This year we also welcomed a new Gala sponsor, American Portfolios; we thank and welcome them. Lastly, thank you to our Gala planning committee, for their dedication and for working tirelessly on our behalf. On behalf of everyone at UCP, thank you and stay well.
Chair
Honorary Chair
Gerard Schmitt, Bethpage Federal Credit Union*
Steve Louro, Professional Group Plans*
Javier Evans, Sterling National Bank*
Thomas Pfundstein, BNB Bank **
Kristin Frost, Medford Chemists
Patricia Tutiven, People’s United Bank*
Lawrence Levy, Hofstra National
Daniel Liberty, Sterling National Bank
Center for Suburban Studies* * Board Member
** Board Chair
Colleen Crispino, President & CEO Camille S. Schramm, Director of Development & Public Relations Karen Puritano, Assistant Director of Development Kathi Weissberger, Development Manager, Special Events Courtney Scully, Special Events Coordinator
2020 E-Journal
Thomas Pfundstein — Board Chair Robert Bernard — Vice Chair, Audit & Compliance Thomas Lowenberg, CPA — Vice Chair, Budget & Finance/Treasurer Gerard Schmitt — Vice Chair, Membership & Development Colleen West-Levy — Recording Secretary
Andrew Corrado Patrick Egan Javier Evans Lawrence Levy Stephen Louro James Manseau Kim M. Smith. Esq. Patricia Tutiven
2020 E-Journal
Jonathan has been in the Adult Residential Program at UCP of Long Island for over 25+ years. Jonathan is an artist who used verbal expression and assistive devices to communicate. Jonathan has always loved the arts and began painting in the early 90’s. Eric, a Recreational Therapist saw something extraordinary in Jonathan and knew he was more than just a talented artist. Jonathan began taking private painting lessons with Eric at the Huntington Art Center. One extra-special piece of artwork is a painting of the Huntington Lighthouse. The President of the lighthouse was so enamored of the piece that today it sits at the lighthouse for all to enjoy. His love of art also extended to his friends. Using facial expression and a communication device, Jonathan became the voice for himself and many artists here at UCP. You see Jonathan had a dream to paint regularly with his friends and wanted a place in UCPLI to display their artistic creations. Thanks to Jonathan’s vision and with the encouragement of his friends, UCP –LI in January 2019 introduced Johnny’s Way. Johnny’s Way is a one of a kind active and adaptive art studio here at UCP-LI. Sadly in June of this year, our UCP family lost Jonathan. His vision and spirit remain with us. Jonathan taught us many things in life, his unique spirit lives in us all and will continue to be the inspiration for the many artists who visit and share in Johnny’s dream!
The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island is to Advance the Independence, Productivity, and Full Citizenship of People with Cerebral Palsy and Other Disabilities. Did You Know UCP of Long Island…
Serves children and adults with disabilities
Provides valuable services to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Spends 92 cents of every dollar on programs and services
Provides services and care to over 225+ adults and children in 31 beautiful residential homes.
The Employment Connection provides employment-related services, such as career assessment, counseling, job placement, so a person with a disability can become employed and independent.
Is at the forefront of providing Early Intervention, Pre-school and School Age education programs. The Children’s Center provides an array of therapeutic services to promote the development of a child with a disability.
2020 E-Journal OCTOBER 2020
Bethpage Federal Credit Union is proud to support United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island and its mission “to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.” Bethpage Cares Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting impactful programs that deliver meaningful services to our community. Our partners are nonprofits that have a proven track record in making a difference in the quality of life of the people they serve. Bethpage’s Charitable Giving Program is an integral part of who we are, and what we stand for as an organization. It is embraced by our members, our employees and our leadership.
The partnership between our two organizations has been both rewarding and productive. Our Bethpage Cares Charitable Giving Program funds UCP of Long Island’s events that in turn raises money for programs that are of great value to our community. Among the events we have supported over the years are; UCP of Long Island’s “5k Walk N Wheel,” an inclusive event which helps to raise awareness and create LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS for people with disabilities; the Life Without Limits Gala, which brings program participants, families, and Long Island business leaders together to celebrate UCP of Long Island’s important mission; and the “Gold Coast Invitational.” This outing helps supports UCP of Long Island’s programs and services including the Adult Day Program, the Brushstrokes Program, the Children’s Center, the Employment Connection, the Residential Program, and more. Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Gerard Schmitt, has been a board member at UCP of Long Island since 2011. Jerry was honored by UCP-LI in 2016 for his commitment, dedication, and support to the organization. We are honored to be a part of the success of UCP of Long Island and look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to better the lives of those who live in our community.
2020 E-Journal OCTOBER 2020
The Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island Congratulate our 2020 Life Without Limits Honoree, Bethpage Federal Credit Union Thank you for making a difference!
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
BNB Bank M&T Bank People’s United Bank
Medford Chemist Sterling National Bank
American Portfolios Corporate Synergies Farrell Fritz, P.C. Professional Group Plans Signature Bank
Integrity Sponsor
Integrity Sponsor
Integrity Sponsor
Empowerment Sponsor
Empowerment Sponsor
Advocate
Advocate
Advocate
Advocate
Advocate
Silver
Silver Page
Silver Page
NV Maintenance Services 1695 Roosevelt Avenue Bohemia, NY 11716
Thank You to the UCP Long Island Team for your amazing work and dedication. Compliments of Janet and Jerry Schmitt
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EXECUTIVE FLITEWAYS, INC. IS PROUD TO SUPPORT UCP of Long Island Life Without Limits Gala October 6-29, 2020 Honoring Bethpage Federal Credit Union AND MANY THANKS TO UCP OF LONG ISLAND, FOR ALL
THE GOOD WORK YOU DO.
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We love you Janine, you are our inspiration! Keep up your beautiful painting in the Brushstrokes Program! Barbara and Larry
Sal Mangia, Jr. CITYWIDE Sewer & Drain Service Comp. 100 Voice Road, Carle Place NY 11514 516-747-2344 Saljr@citywidesewers.com
“My Life Without Limits has been full of joy, comfort, happiness and love
for 51 years" -- Nini
Compliments of The Culkin Family
Stephanie Occhipinti Design congratulates UCP of Long Island on their 70th anniversary!
Jewelry for your unique spirit‌
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UCP of Long Island Would Like to Thank the Artists Who Contributed Their Work to the 2020 Gala Campaign & Silent Auction
Brian G. “Energy” Leroy M. “Curious” Rolf W.
“Long Island Lighthouse 2020” Janine L “More Yellow Flowers” Amanda K “Tuscany!” UCP of Long Island provides many programs that encourage individuals to express themselves through the arts. To learn more, please visit our website at www.ucp-li.org
UCP’s annual LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS Gala is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the many talents of the individuals in UCP’s Adult Day Programs. Artwork by the individuals in our programs is everywhere at our Gala, beginning with the invitation and ending with the hand-painted Centerpieces that are auctioned off to the highest bidders. Individuals in UCP’s Brushstrokes Program and in all of our Day Programs look forward to the opportunity to share their artistic accomplishments and enjoy making a sale! This year we are sharing their artwork online via the Gala’s Silent Auction. We are also sharing their beautiful paintings here in our E-Journal. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, please give us a call: 631-232-0015.
Thank you to the men and women in UCP’s Adult Day Programs For making our world a more beautiful place!
“Energy” Painting by Brian G.
Brian began attending UCP-LI’s Brushstrokes program in Spring of 2019. A few years ago he started painting Disney paintings for his niece, an activity he enjoyed. Since participating in Brushstrokes, he has ‘branched out” and started painting landscapes. Brian finds painting relaxing and was very excited to sell his first piece last summer. Brian’s “Cabin by the River” is the featured painting for our 2020 Online Gala Campaign and another recent work, “Energy” is for sale in the Gala Campaign Silent Auction.
“Long
Island Lighthouse” By Rolf W.
Rolf is one of UCP of Long Island’s most prolific artists, known for developing his own style and finding adaptive ways to assist him to overcome his limited range of motion. His favorite media is acrylics and he finds relaxation in painting landscapes. Rolf is especially well-known for painting the lighthouses of Long Island, and recently embarked on his new passion: photography. Rolf has also started to create more abstract paintings by using untraditional tools, including bubble-wrap and wires. Rolf states, “Art is fun.” Plus, he adds, “I want to make money using my talent.” Rolf’s “Long Island Lighthouse 2020” is current for sale as part of the 2020 Gala Campaign.
“Curious” by Leroy M.
Leroy has tremendous capacity for color and composition, and prefers to work in acrylic paints. Inspired by nature, Leroy likes to experiment with different styles and brush strokes. Leroy enjoys the outdoors very much, and his love of nature is reflected in his work. He is greatly inspired by the Audubon Society and recently began painting birds. One of Leroy’s new pieces, “Curious” is for sale as part of the 2020 Gala’s Silent Auction.
“Tuscany” by
Amanda K.
Amanda has been drawing on paper plates since she was six-years-old. She started painting in elementary school and continued through her adulthood. Amanda loves using watercolors, though she is equally adept using acrylic paints. While her favorite things to paint are flowers and butterflies she has also branched out to paint landscapes. Amanda participates in the Brushstrokes program where she shares her many talents with her peers. Amanda’s painting, “Tuscany� is currently available for sale.
“More Yellow Flowers” By Janine
Janine participates in UCP’s Brushstrokes Program and has displayed her paintings at local events and fundraisers throughout our community. Janine is very close to her family and also has many close friends at UCP. She has always enjoyed the arts and enjoys looking at the works of the masters. Janine has a special gift for painting life-like yellow flowers, and especially enjoys working with acrylic on canvas.
Our much loved Handbag Raffle...
You are invited to Cook with a World Renowned Chef…..
In Memory ... of UCP family members lost in 2020
UCP has always been a family: we’re a community that includes the individuals we support, our staff, board, and you – our donors. Together, we do something extraordinary...we help people with disabilities live a Life Without Limits. Your support is extra-meaningful this year. And we hope you’ll stay in touch in the months ahead:
Please attend our events (even the virtual ones!)
Visit our website
Volunteer
Learn about employing a person with a disability
Inquire about when you might come for a tour
and… www.ucp-li.org We’ve always been a family. We need you now and we will need you tomorrow. But most important, we thank you. We wish you good health – and we can’t wait to see you at our 2021 Life Without Limits Gala! UCP of Long Island 250 Marcus Boulevard Hauppauge, NY 11788