Thank you to all the members of the CFS community who joined us in celebrating 70 years of innovating with individuals and families!
On October 24, 2024, CFS’ community of individuals, families, staff, donors, board members, and business and community partners gathered at the Museum of the City of New York to honor our 2024 Awardees and celebrate our 70th Year Anniversary!
The evening was a great success, with CFS raising over $145,000 thanks to our generous sponsorships, donations, and contributions that continued to come in well after the evening concluded. We also were delighted that everyone had a great time at this special 70th Anniversary Award Celebration! Our wonderful guests enjoyed a new format, great food and beverages, a special exhibit, silent auction, and a moving program celebrating CFS’ history as innovators supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We want to especially thank our amazing and Emmy-winning journalist and NY1 anchor Shannan Ferry and other CFS Board Members who helped us introduce the evening’s six honorees, who are extraordinary individuals and partners whose contributions have empowered CFS to carry out its personalized support mandate and life-changing mission.
2024 Awards Dinner Honorees
Elise Anne Geltzer, Esq.
CFS Board Vice President and member of the Nominating Committee, Elise has served on CFS’ board for over 40 years, during which time it has grown from a small organization into a leading human services non-profit in New York and New Jersey. Elise has provided CFS’ Board with steady guidance, inspiration, and orientation to ensure CFS meets the goals of its important mission.
Matthew Becker, BDO USA, P.C.
BDO and Matthew Becker, Assurance Principal, are pleased to celebrate CFS’s 70th anniversary and recognize its commitment to helping communities, individuals, and families thrive. As a leading accounting firm serving the nonprofit industry, BDO remains a trusted advisor, empowering CFS to navigate the complex challenges facing health and human service organizations. Additionally, Matthew further strengthens this relationship by serving on the Spring Golf Fundraiser Committee to further CFS’s mission and impact.
Tucker Salovaara
Tucker Salovaara has been supported by CFS for 10 years, in the Self-Direction program. Tucker is a college graduate with a successful career, now an IT/Social Media Coordinator, “tech guru” at Theater Breaking Through Barriers, with previous internships at the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and the NBA. He’s also a strong advocate within the disabled community. Last year, Tucker helped co-lead a presentation with other self advocates and they discussed how to create a One Page Profile to help new DSPs to learn how to work with them better.
Rosa Maria Felipe, CFS DSP
Rosa is one of CFS’ finest Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and one of the organization’s longest tenured employees. Rosa has been supporting individuals at CFS for over 28 years and is now working with Chrstine, her 6th individual. Since Rosa started working with Christine 6 years ago, Christine’s self-esteem and ability to self-advocate has grown tremendously. Rosa truly represents CFS’ mission in action.
Keoni Movement Arts (KMA)
CFS has been partnering with Paul “Keoni” Chun since 2018 to provide our participants with movement activities that help grow their fitness levels, creativity, and pride. Paul founded KMA in 2008 to provide New York City community members with limited means access to Yoga, Dance, and Gymnastics as healing movement arts.
Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright
Rebecca A. Seawright represents over 140,000 constituents in New York’s 76th Assembly District, where she has served since 2014. Rebecca has long advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities, women’s rights, public education, and environmental protections. She is a devoted friend to individuals with disabilities and was appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly as the Chair of the People with Disabilities Committee in 2023.
EVENT EMCEE: SHANNAN FERRY, Emmy-Winning Anchor and Reporter at NY1
Shannan Ferry is an Emmy-winning journalist and anchor with Spectrum News NY1’s “News All Day.” Raised in Queens and a graduate of Hofstra University, Ferry joined NY1 in 2014. She has since covered major events in New York City, including the pandemic, demonstrations following the death of George Floyd, and the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe vs. Wade and the constitutional right of women to abortion.
The evening’s program included a heartwarming video about Nick! Diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Nick has been thriving with CFS by his side. His Employment Specialist, Zane, is like family, and CFS makes him feel right at home. From boxing to working at ShopRite, Nick’s story inspired guests and made all of us so proud.
“CFS helped him get a job, and now he’s so independent. He’s laughing with customers, and just being helpful. It makes me so happy,” — Nick’s mom, Brenda.
Jessica’s journey to living more independently with CFS’ support was also celebrated during the evening’s program! We were moved as Jessica’s residence manager, Olivia, and her mom shared how CFS has helped provide Jessica a warm, loving home where she feels supported.
“The independence she’s developed has given her the freedom to be her, to be Jessica,” — Jessica’s mom, Juliana.
