2008 Evening of Honor Gala

Friday, October 17, 2008, Jericho Terrace, Mineola, NY

 

HONOREES

Mario and Pia Fischetti Humanitarian Award

Dr. Mark Lerner

Dr. Mark Lerner is a Clinical Psychologist, Aurthor, Speaker and Traumatic Stress Consultant who focuses on helping people during times of crisis. He maintains a clinical practice on Long Island, New York and regularly consults with individuals and organizations around the world (www.MarkLernerAssociates.org).

Dr. Lerner is the former Chairman of the National Center for Crisis Management and the founder and past President of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. He is the originator of the Acute Traumatic Stress Management intervention model and has authored several books based on this model including Comprehensive Acute Traumatic Stress Management, A Practical Guide for School Crisis Response and A Practical Guide for University Crisis Response. The United Nations has appointed him as an Expert Consultant with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security. Dr. Lerner is the originaltor of the It's OK Not To Be OK series, and is presently engaged in developing publications, presentations and workshops for people who are living through times of crisis.

Joseph and Alice Ficalora Award

Lynne and Michael Koufakis

Lynne and Michael Koufakis have been married for 22 years and have four children Jeremy (17), Jared (14), Jake (12) and Jenna (9). Jared and Jake are on the autism spectrum and Jared has been a student at the School for Language and Communication Development since 2000.

In 2000, Lynne formed the PTFA (Parent Teacher Friend Association) at SLCD to raise money for the School and to bring the staff and parents together for the benefit of the students. Over the past 8 yeras, the PTFA has become an integral part of SLCD with Lynne at the helm. New parent breakfasts, gift wrap sales, book and candy sales, and staff appreciation day to name a few have grown year after year. In addition, Lynne implemented a Grandparents day and Thanksgiving feast to the already full schedule.

For the past 7 years, Lynne has also chaired SLCD's Annual Golf Outing. The event has raised more money each year for the programs and services needed by the growing population of students. Lynne is looking to start a parent group and meet the state politicians to overcome some of the hurdles parents face in getting their children appropriate services.

Michael Koufakis entered into the family automobile business after college and is currently dealer principal of Star Toyota / Scion of Bayside, Star Subaru, Executive Manager of Star Nissan and managing member of Star Mitsubishi. The Koufakis family also owns Star Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Star Auto Body. While Lynne's focus has been on getting children with special needs appropriate education, Michael has directed his energy toward biomedical interventions. Michael believes that autism is an immune system dysregulation affecting the brain and the gut similar to other autoimmune disorders. He has been in contact with several world class doctors and researchers hoping for a clinical trial to be done.

The Koufakis's have been featured in People magazine and on The Montel William's Show. They were recently honored by the Queens Democratic Club for their work in Autism research. They have been generous supporters of Autism Speaks, Autism Society of America, the Boomer Esiason Foundation as well as the Elija School, Buckley Day School and Friends Academy.

Lynne and Michael have dedicated their lives to increasing awareness, getting proper educational and medical services for all children with special needs.

For more information about the events, please contact the development office at 516.609.2000, ext. 123