On April 28, The Viscardi Center fired up its premier fundraiser, Celebrity Night, with an impressive roster of celebrities – blending culinary excellence with well-known names from the sports world. Emmy Award-winning television host, bestselling cookbook author, and restaurateur Chef Lidia Bastianich, New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, The Sopranos and Blue Bloods actor Steve Schirripa, New York Mets World Series Champion Mookie Wilson, and Broadway stars Chilina Kennedy and Jarrod Spector were among the VIPs who signed autographs and posed for photos with guests, all in support of Viscardi’s transformative educational and employment programs for people with disabilities.
Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. was honored for its exemplary dedication and commitment to positively impacting the disability community. Patricia Galteri, Managing Attorney, graciously accepted the award on behalf of the firm – an original piece of artwork created by Mary Ogbo, a senior attending Henry Viscardi School.
The annual event started with a cocktail reception, which included appetizers inspired by Chef Bastianich prepared and served by participants from the Center’s Culinary Training Program. Chef Bastianich is no stranger to the Center as last fall she spent time with training participants and shared some of her wisdom. Guests also sampled savory selections from Mookie Wilson’s family business (brothers, sisters, wives, daughters, nephews), Legacy Catering, a mobile barbecue truck which made the trip from the south.
ESPN host Victoria Arlen and figure skater Emily Hughes also mingled with guests before the evening continued with an elegant dinner and silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, golf packages, and more.
Kennedy, best known for playing Carole King in the musical Beautiful, and Spector, who performed as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and most recently played King George III in Hamilton, accompanied by students from Henry Viscardi School, closed the spectacular event with a show-stopping performance of the iconic tune, “You’ve Got A Friend.” 
The Viscardi Center, a network of non-profit organizations, provides a lifespan of services that educate, employ, and empower people with disabilities. Its programs and services include Pre-K through High School education (to age 21), school-to-work transition services, vocational training and job placement, digital accessibility services, entrepreneurship, and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses.