The New England Center for Children Celebrates its 6th Annual "A Night of Music - Boston"

On Friday, October 26, 2007, the Parents Organization of The New England Center for Children (NECC®) hosted its 6th Annual "A Night of Music - Boston" event at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. The evening was largely made possible by the sponsors: Savings Bank Live Insurance, Citizens Bank, The John Drew Company, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Investment Properties LTD, Kearney Donovan & McGee, P.C., National Grid, The Niedermeyer Family, and U.S. Trust.

Proceeds from the even went to NECC's Capital Campaign for an Aquatic center; NECC provides state-of-the-art education and individualized treatment, with care and respect, for children with autism, pervasive development disorder (PDD), and Asperger's Syndrome.
The success of the event, raising over $400,000, completes NECC's Capital Campaign co-chaired by former Governor Michael S. Dukakis and Thomas J. Hollister, COO & CFO of Global Partners, LP.

This milestone event included a silent auction, live auction, slideshow, dinner and music provided by the students of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Dan Rea of WBZ Radio again served as Master of Ceremonies of the event and had the honor of introducing Event Co-Chair John Drew of Seaport Companies and Bruce Figueroa of Citizens Bank.

Executive Director Vincent Strully, Jr. presented several of NECC's most influential Campaign supporters with the "Children of Promise" Award. The "Children of Promise" Award, given to those who share our commitment to NECC's vision of accomplishment, growth, and hope for children with autism, was presented to: Peter Gombosi; Dennis Kearney; Carl Novotny & Rev. Judith Swahnberg; Robert Sheridan; and Glenn & Peggy Tso.

Following the awards, John Marston, NECC's Chairman of the Board, announced the naming of the Aquatic Center as the Michael S. Dukakis Aquatic Center and presented a framed proclamation to former Governor Dukakis, who also said a few words. After dinner, Parent Event Committee member Angela Masiello and Parents Organization President Bob Ruzzo introduced a very touching slideshow presentation, depicting many of the students from NECC with their families. The evening ended with entertainment from WPI's Big Band directed by Professor Richard Falco with special guest jazz vocalist Linda Dagnello.

About The New England Center for Children
NECC® is an award winning non-profit organization serving over 350 students between the ages of 18 months and 22 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students receive education and treatment in a full range of research-based programs including preschool, home-based, residential, and academic programs in Massachusetts. Founded in 1975 NECC has an annual operating budget of $40 million and has a staff of over 700. NECC also operates model Partner Classrooms and provides consultation to 30 school districts.
NECC is the recipient of two national awards, one from the U.S. Department of Education and the other from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis. In the last 15 years, 690 full-time employees of NECC have received master's degrees in one of three on-site graduate programs. Approximately 500 of these now work with students with autism in public schools across the United States and around the world. NECC faculty has made more than 692 conference presentations and has published 142 research articles in scientific journals. NECC maintains strategic partnerships with UMASS Medical Center, Northeastern University, Simmons College, Western New England College and Boston's Children's Hospital. For more information, visit www.necc.org.

For more information NECC please call (508) 481-1015.