Anderson Center for Autism has announced that registration is now open for its 23rd annual gala event on Saturday, November 4th, which will take place at The Grandview, 176 Rinaldi Boulevard, Poughkeepsie, New York.
Sponsored in part by Susan Brune and Chip Loewenson and Pamal Broadcasting, the 2023 “Pay it Forward” Gala is expected to raise over $200,000 to help Anderson Center for Autism carry out its mission of optimizing the quality of life for people with autism.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “This year, we will honor longtime Anderson supporter and our former Anderson Foundation Board President, Mr. Barry R. Feirstein, with the well-deserved V.V. Anderson Community Service Award. Barry has made a tremendous impact as we’ve worked to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism, and he has also inspired many, many others to do the same. In addition to recognizing Barry at the gala, we will also honor the legacy of the late Holly Petyon Good Feirstein, who was – likewise – deeply dedicated to our cause.”
Barry R. Feirstein, the retired founder of Feirstein Capital Management (a private investment management firm), is a graduate of Brooklyn College and Harvard Business School. He has served two terms as Chairman of the Brooklyn College Foundation, during which time he launched the Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, a state-of-the-art program located at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn (one of the only existing film schools located in a working studio).
In addition, Feirstein is a member of the Weill Cornell Deans Council, former trustee and former Chairman of Anderson Foundation for Autism, and former board member of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the Independent Film Project, and the Friars Foundation. He currently serves on the Board of Autism Speaks.
Said Feirstein, “It has always been a great privilege to volunteer with Anderson Center for Autism, and I very much look forward to this year’s gala. Anderson is a visionary organization that is leading the way in their field, but beyond that – also sets an exemplary example for nonprofits everywhere. With autism incidence rates now at 1 in 36, their expertise, programs, and services are more in demand than ever, and I am confident that they will successfully respond to the needs, just as they have always done, every step of the way.”
Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer, Anderson Foundation for Autism, reflected, “Barry Feirstein and the late Holly Peyton Good Feirstein initiated a campaign called ‘Pay it Forward,’ which has raised over $97,000 for Anderson Center for Autism – thus the theme for our gala. Through the Pay it Forward campaign, which includes a ‘match challenge’ component, families have donated to residences other than the ones in which their loved ones reside, thus ensuring that every home has some discretionary money for otherwise unfunded leisure and recreational activities.”
Added Bozenski: “Proceeds from this year’s gala will be earmarked for that effort – and our families, residents, and team members are already very excited about the anticipated success!”
In addition to honoring Barry Feirstein and the legacy of Holly Peyton Good Feirstein, a team member from Anderson will be recognized with the 2023 Above and Beyond Award that evening; the name of that honoree is yet to be announced.
The gala is black-tie optional and will include dinner, dancing, a silent auction, program, and more. Reservations must be made in advance.
For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsorships, call 845.889.9208 or visit AndersonCenterforAutism.org/Gala.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.