Holiday Reception
December 15, 2011
Traditional holiday cheer and the spirit of the season was in abundance on December 15 at the Muttontown Club for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation's Long Island Region's annual celebration. The mood was set for the festivities with holiday music and glistening candlelight. Guests mingled and celebrated the special time together as they sampled the delectable cuisine.
Allan L. Pashcow, Chairman of the Board began the evening by thanking Roberta and Bruce Waller, generous supporters of the DRI and hosts for the evening. It was also the perfect night to recognize and acknowledge DRI supporters Michael and GiGi Otten and Addy Fritzhand.
Michael and GiGi Otten were honored at the holiday reception for all of their efforts to raise funds for the DRI. Their teenage son Nicholas has type 1 diabetes. Their support stems from the fact that they truly believe the cure for diabetes will come from the DRI. Early each fall, since 2005, friends and family gather in their backyard under a huge white tent to attend their annual Pig Roast which benefit's the Diabetes Research Institute.
" It is with their continued great hope for a cure for diabetes for Nicholas and for all those who suffer with diabetes that the Otten’s host this traditional backyard BBQ. Hundreds of people attend the event each year and the Otten’s have raised nearly $100,000 in support of the DRI. Michael, GiGi, Nicholas and Mikey Otten are truly a family to be admired. It is with great appreciation and honor that I present this award on behalf of the DRI to Michael and GiGi Otten," said Allan L. Pashcow.
Also acknowledged that evening was Addy Fritzhand. Addy has served as a DRI board member since 2004. Her personal struggle with type 1 diabetes has motivated her to spend countless hours finding a cure. Addy spearheaded the DRIF’s Annual Fall Into Fashion event and brought it to the level of success it is today. She co-chaired the event in 2004, 2005 and 2006 with DRI board member Miriam Shiff. In 2008 the Fall Into Fashion committee honored Addy along with Miriam for all of their hard work and dedication.
"Through her valiant efforts the Fall Into Fashion event has raised more than $1.5 million dollars for the DRI. Her courage, strength and unwavering dedication are endless. Addy is truly an inspiration and we are blessed to call her our friend. It is with extreme pleasure and great honor I present this award to Addy Fritzhand," said Allan L. Pashcow.
The distinguished Cycle of Discovery Awards were presented that evening to those who have generously donated $25,000 or more, or whose additional contributions elevate them to a new giving level. Allan L. Pashcow, DRIF LI Region Chairman of the Board was pleased to present the Query Award to Wendy Waller. He also presented the Hypothesis Award to Iris & David Feldman.
"These awards are designed to honor and acknowledge our generous donors, and also pays tribute to the research process. We are able to support the DRI's ongoing areas of need in research because of your committment and generosity in finding a cure for diabetes. We can't thank you enough for all that you do", said Allan L. Pashcow to the Cycle of Discovery recipients.
Anthony E. Childs, DRIF LI Regional Director presented the Cycle of Discovery Exploration Award to Allan and Louise Pashcow. Louise and Allan Pashcow have been passionately involved with the DRIF for over 16 years and have actively served on the LI board of directors since 2005. Louise has type 1 diabetes and the entire Pashcow family is committed to finding the cure. The Pashcow’s two daughters, Brianna and Shannon also work hard to raise funds for Louise and the DRI. This year as a special Mother’s Day tribute, Brianna raised more than $10,000 through the DRI’s Diabetes Diplomat Program.
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The festive banquet room at the Muttontown Country Club. |
LtoR:DRIF LI Region board member and Holiday Reception hostess Roberta Waller with daughter Dara Melnick. |
LtoR: Nicholas, GiGi and Michael Otten receive special recognition award. |
Allan L. Pashcow, DRIF LI Region Chairman of the Board of Directors and Addy Fritzhand. |
Allan and Louise Pashcow with the DRI Cycle of Discovery Exploration Award. |
LtoR:David and Iris Feldman receiving Cycle of Discovery Hypothesis Award from Allan L. Pashcow. |
Wendy Waller with the Cycle of
Discovery Query Award. |
LtoR:Rob Shiff, Drew Fritzhand, Ilene Parsont, Addy Fritzhand, Marie Rizzo and Susan Bushell. |
Jeremy and Dara Melnick.
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LtoR:DRIF LI Region and National board member Bruce Waller, Andrew Kriss, Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi, Jane Suozzi, Roberta Waller and guest. |
LtoR: Mr. and Mrs. Derek Pasch, Joe LaPadula, Nassau County Legislator elect and DRIF LI Region board member Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Allan L. Pashcow. |