Annual Dinner Dance

A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW

Some of us can remember the time when ANIBIC held its annual Dinner & Dance at the Astoria Manor’s grand ballroom, the venue that could cater to the more than 300 ANIBIC guests who came prepared to eat, drink, dance and have a wonderful evening.

At the time in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, The Saturday night events were a mingling of parents, friends, families, staff and professionals who donned their formal attire and joined in the festivities. Special education teachers and supervisors who worked in the very programs that ANIBIC inspired and for which parents lobbied had a strong attachment to the children and their families. Many of the same teachers and supervisors worked in our recreational programs where parents also volunteered their services. (So many peanut butter and jelly or tuna sandwiches…)

There was joy in the grand ballroom in spite of the many worries underlying the laughter and fun. There was a complete musical band with singers and emcees that motivated people to dance or participate in group events. But, something was missing; the ANIBIC children were not present. Of course, they were children at that time and not yet of an age when a dinner dance would be appropriate.

As ANIBIC matured, our children matured. Clearly, the event became their opportunity to join in the fun and participate as adults. And so, our children, now adults, joined in the fun. A DJ took the place of the band of musicians and the professionals soon disengaged as they moved on. Yet, each event was filled with the feeling of accomplishment as we saw our adult program participants on the dance floor, socializing and having one heck of a time – a tribute to the ANIBIC programs that encouraged those skills and attitudes. Now about ¼ of the dinner dance attendees are those very children who have grown up in the ANIBIC family.

ANIBIC’s 47th Annual Dinner Dance was held on October 25th at Russo’s On the Bay. The day was dedicated in honor of Carmela and Michael Stewart (ANIBIC V.P.) who were presented with the ANIBIC Community Service Award, ANIBIC staff member, Mary Ann McCann who received the first Shirley Finchler Award for Dedicated Service and Alfred G. Gerosa, awarded the Humanitarian Award posthumously. We were honored to have State Senator Frank Padavan and City Council Finance Chairman David Weprin present. Both gentlemen have been instrumental in guiding and supporting ANIBIC’s efforts.

About 180 people enjoyed the afternoon’s festivities: a silent auction, a 50:50 auction and lots of sports memorabilia to purchase or win. With Associate Director John DeBiase emceeing the event, a slide show of ANIBIC activities, presentations to awardees, good music and food all coordinated by the Dinner Dance Committee (Beverly Berger, Phyllis Kaye, Joan Stern Kiok, Mr. and Mrs. Eli Nieman, Dr. and Mrs. Alvin Plotkin, Joe Rebhun and Mike Steward) along with Director of Development Leslie Waltzer Pollak.

The ANIBIC Journal which is distributed at the event, was beautifully done and serves as a major fundraiser. Many thanks to Joe Rebhun, Joe Levy, Richard Levine and Debra Fink for their fine work! Thanks to EVERYONE who attended, donated gifts, bought journal ads and supported this event. To the ANIBIC staff, each and every one who worked on any portion of this event- KUDOS! We look forward to seeing you at our next Dinner Dance.