It was a spirited night of poker, gourmet food, cocktails and fun prizes as Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) hosted its annual POKER FOR A PURPOSE fundraiser at The Heritage Club at Bethpage (Bethpage State Park, NY). The poker tournament is a signature event hosted by ACLD to raise funds to support people with special needs and make a difference in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. This year’s event raised nearly $80,000, which is designated for ACLD’s Vacation Fund, guaranteeing every person living in an ACLD residence enjoys a vacation once a year.
More than 170 registered guests played in the evening’s tournament, which included raffles, a silent auction, a full buffet dinner, an open bar, and desirable prizes for the top winners of the tournament. Congratulations to: Charlie Mazzocchi, first place winner in the 2024 POKER FOR A PURPOSE tournament who received one entry to a future Borgata Open and hotel stay in Atlantic City, NJ; second place winner Gustavo Marin received a packaged overnight stay at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City including a fine-dine gift certificate and two tickets to a show; and third place winner Scott Tirone who received a Movado watch, compliments of SVS Fine Jewelry.
The 2024 POKER FOR A PURPOSE honoree was David Gussin, publisher of 516Ads.com who is known as ‘Long Island’s ultimate networker.’ Established in 2007, 516Ads.com prides itself on being ‘Long Island’s Business Community Network.’
“This is a very special event that ACLD hosts every year,” said Robert Ciatto, ACLD President/CEO. “It’s a tremendous feeling to ensure that every person in our residential program gets to go on a vacation each year and have those experiences and memories to share with their families, friends and housemates for years to come. We thank everyone who contributed to the evening’s success.”
Information provided by POKER FOR A PURPOSE.
