Thursday, December 8, 2011

NAA-NY Metro Holiday Party - Honoring Our Friends and Supporters and Having Fun!

Last night the NAA - New York Metro Chapter hosted our annual holiday party. I think it is safe to say that a good time was had by all! The party is an opportunity for us to bring together the many people who, in so many ways, have helped NAA NY Metro throughout the year. I wish that the party could have lasted all night so that I could have had more time to chat with everyone!

A very special thanks to our friends and supporters whose dedication to our Chapter made 2011 a great year. We look forward to more great things in 2012!

As the Dalai Lama says, “When you practice gratefulness there is a sense of respect toward others.” In that spirit, I am so grateful for all those who work so hard to make NAA - NY Metro the success that it is and I respect and appreciate the time, energy, creativity, and giving of self that so many undertake to help this cause. This chapter would not be what it is without each of you – NAA-NYM is a true team effort.

Last night we did not get the chance to personally honor all our speakers and others who collaborated with us this past year and want to acknowledge each of you here. It humbles me that each of you gives so much of yourself to help our organization. I cannot thank you enough. Our 2011 luminaries attending last night included:

Mark Berger

Laura Brienza

Peta Cohen

Stuart Flaum

John Gilmore

Mary Holland

Jane Hsu

Darin Ingels

Arthur Krigsman

Nancy O’Hara

Shirael Pollack

Susan Roberts

Jayme Lewin Rich

Michael Sanders

Ken Siri

Lauren Tobing-Puente

Katie Wright

A special thanks to Jill Hopler of Your Personal Foodie for the amazing spread (and to Board Member Kirstin Boncher too!) – the food was incredible. Thanks too to Katz Gluten Free for their donation of yummy fruit pies and rugalech.

Thank you also to our many friends – both long-time friends and new ones - who came last night to share and celebrate with us. We so appreciate each one of you and we look forward to many exciting new collaborations in 2012.

I particularly want to thank the Officers and Board Members for a fabulous 2011. Last night was a chance to loosen up and have fun – and for each of you it is well-deserved. What a team - your dedication to NAA-NYM is inspiring. Thank you Peggy, Lisa, Sabeeha, Khalid, Stuart, Kirstin, Kathleen, Mary, Katie, Dara, Amy! Our committee members, volunteers and NAAvigators (parent mentors) are amazing – the work they do is critical to the success of NAA-NYM and, most importantly, to helping families and others whose lives have been touched by autism.

Thanks to our set up crew who made the room beautiful, set up the delicious buffet, and provided good company during the process – Janice, Dara, Lisa, Mark, Jill, Kirstin, Selma - and our clean up crew - including balloon poppers Albert and Mark!

Last night we recognized our former President (and current Officer-at-Large) Sabeeha Rehman and our Advocacy Chair, Khalid Rehman, for their dedication to NAA NY Metro. We have named a $1000 grant in their honor and Sabeeha and Khalid will direct us on how to apply the grant to further NAA NY Metro’s mission. Here is a video clip of the presentation:



SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Kim Mack Rosenberg
President, NAA - New York Metro Chapter

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