Villagers party at ACDS St. Patrick's fundraiser

Nearly 700 partygoers, including several hundred from Rockville Centre, celebrated at the annual St. Patrick’s party benefitting the Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS) on March 6, as ACDS hosted its second annual St. Patrick’s celebration at the St. Agnes Parish Center.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by the sounds of bagpipes and drums. The pipe and drum honor guard, dressed in traditional Irish kilts, included members of N.Y. Metro, a competition band based in Rockville Centre. The evening’s Irish music was provided by Martin Flynn and his band.  An army of bartenders and servers from Kasey’s Kitchen and Cocktails on N. Park Ave. kept the drinks flowing and provided the food for the evening. Kasey’s also gave a generous donation to ACDS.

Tim Michel, president of the ACDS Board of Directors, expressed his gratitude to supporters and to the many volunteers who worked on the party. Executive Director Michael Smith thanked the ACDS board and the St. Patrick’s committee, which included several village residents – Liz Campbell (chairwoman), Tracy and Gene Kirley, Jane Shimkin and ACDS Director of Development Vinnie Santo who noted the generosity of many individuals, merchants and organizations who donated items for auctions and raffles. 

The event was a tribute to the teachers, therapists, aides and administrators at ACDS. Gail Cooper and Val Steinberg, two long-time ACDS staffers who have dedicated years to children and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities were honored. ACDS will next host its its annual golf outing, set for May 6 at the Garden City Country Club. Visit www.acds.org for more information.