On Nov. 28, 2023, the GRACE Foundation video aired in Times Square, featuring testimonials from participants, underscoring the importance of community support for individuals with Autism. (Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)(Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The collaboration between GRACE Foundation of New York — a renowned organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder — and the Staten Island Media Group was recently showcased in a heartwarming video featured on the Times Square jumbotron in Manhattan.
On Nov. 28, the GRACE video aired in Times Square, featuring testimonials from participants whose lives have been positively impacted by the GRACE Foundation. Their stories, filled with challenges and triumphs, were highlighted, underscoring the importance of community support for individuals with Autism.
“This was a remarkable opportunity for us to share our story with a wider audience,” said Cathy Del Priore, Executive Director of the GRACE Foundation, in expressing her excitement about the video airing in the famed jumbotron. “This event is not just a celebration but a call to action for the community to continue supporting the invaluable work of the GRACE Foundation.
“Our partnership with the Staten Island Media Group, specifically with Dan Ryan, has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. We are deeply grateful for their support in raising awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
Established in 2000, the GRACE Foundation of New York provides programs and services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Through education, socialization, and vocational training, the Foundation seeks to enhance the capabilities and enrich the lives of those it serves.
On Nov. 28, 2023, the GRACE Foundation video aired in Times Square, featuring testimonials from participants, underscoring the importance of community support for individuals with Autism.(Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)(Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)
NOV. 28 WAS GIVING TUESDAY
Grace, one of the GRACE participants said, “Being part of this Giving Tuesday day and Times Square experience is amazing. We got to see all of our faces on the big Times Square screen and get noticed by so many people walking by.”
The day of the event, Nov. 28, was Giving Tuesday, often described as a global day of giving or a global generosity movement, is held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. On Giving Tuesday 2021, nonprofits in the U.S. alone raised $2.7 billion.
“Working with the GRACE Foundation has been an eye-opening experience,” said Dan Ryan, of the Staten Island Media Group, affectionately known as Dan on the Street. “Seeing the impact of their work has inspired our team to creatively showcase their mission. We are proud to be part of this event and hope it brings much-deserved attention to the GRACE Foundation.”
In alignment with the spirit of Giving Tuesday, the GRACE Foundation of New York sought to intensify its efforts to raise awareness for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Giving Tuesday represents more than just a day of generosity,” added DelPriore. “It symbolizes a commitment to understanding and supporting the unique needs of individuals with autism. This day of giving serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive communities and the need for continued support and resources for those affected by autism.
“By participating in Giving Tuesday, the GRACE Foundation aims to inspire a wave of generosity and heightened awareness, fostering a more compassionate and understanding society for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. This initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to create a world where individuals with autism can thrive and be celebrated for their unique talents and abilities.”
On Nov. 28, 2023, the GRACE Foundation video aired in Times Square, featuring testimonials from participants, underscoring the importance of community support for individuals with Autism.(Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)(Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)
PARTY AT GARVEY’S IRISH PUB
Following the Times Square feature, the celebration continued at Garvey’s Irish Pub, where attendees had the opportunity to meet JP Delaney, one of the pub’s owners and a staunch supporter of the GRACE Foundation. That day, Delaney donated proceeds from his signature drink, The GRACE Bliss, and the sales of GRACE’s “I Can” candles.
“We’re proud to support the GRACE Foundation,” Delaney said. “The response from our customers has been overwhelming, with over 20 candles sold weekly. It’s a testament to the community’s commitment to making a difference.”
Jenna, a GRACE participant, said: “I had a lot of fun. It was great. We ate so much good food at Garvey’s. The owner was nice. We have our ‘I Can’ candles’ at Garvey’s too. I told my mom to go eat there…and her friends and get the mozzarella sticks”, said Jenna, a GRACE participant.
Another GRACE participant, Nico, said: “Wow, an awesome day. We got to talk about our giving Tuesday message to people walking by. It was unbelievable. People are so nice. They stopped and talked to us about The Grace Foundation and what we do at GRACE.”
On Nov. 28, 2023, the GRACE Foundation video aired in Times Square, featuring testimonials from participants, underscoring the importance of community support for individuals with Autism.(Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)(Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)
On Nov. 28, 2023, the GRACE Foundation video aired in Times Square. Pictured are Cathy Del Priore, Executive Director of the GRACE Foundation, and Dan Ryan, Staten Island Media Group. (Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)(Courtesy The GRACE Foundation of New York)