(Smithtown, NY) Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), the leading service provider for children and adults with autism on Long Island, held its annual Rockin’ for Autism concert. Over 500 Long Islanders packed Mulcahy’s Pub and Music Hall in Wantagh to raise over $30,000 for DDI.
“It is truly remarkable and heartwarming to see so many people come together to help those challenged with a disability,” stated Jim Cronin, Chairman of the event and a member of the DDI Foundation Board. “This wonderful event is crucial in supporting the vital programs that DDI has to benefit Long Islanders with autism and other developmental disabilities.”
Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), the leading service provider for children and adults with autism on Long Island, recently held its annual Rockin’ for Autism concert. Photo Credit: DDI.
For a $30.00 donation guests enjoyed the sounds of live music with an all-star lineup of legendary Long Island bands including 1 Step Ahead, The Cold Spring Harbor Band, 3, and Generations. Legendary Saturday Night Live Band Leader GE Smith made a surprise appearance and performance. Gift baskets, raffles, food and live music were enjoyed by all into the late evening.
“Every year this event lends itself to being a great day,” commented Event Music Director, Steve Alliano. “I want to give a special thanks to the talented musicians who donated their services and talents to make the day a true success.”
DDI is a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Smithtown, NY, with more than 30 locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Serving nearly 1,000 children and adults with a diagnosis of an autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), DDI is the largest provider of services for individuals with Autism on Long Island. It provides special educational, vocational, day and residential programs, as well as healthcare services for over 5,000 children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI also operates family-centered preschool programs for both children with disabilities as well as typically developing students. DDI was founded in 1961 by a group of parents to address the special educational and therapeutic needs of their children with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI is a member agency of the United Way of Long Island. For more information about DDI, visit www.ddiny.org.
