http://www.newsday.com/news/health/the-daily-apple-1.4760551/annual-fundraising-event-to-benefit-two-causes-1.6554660
When his brother Patrick Xavier died in 1997 from complications of
Down syndrome, Alan Owens, 31, wanted to find a way to keep Patrick's
memory alive and, in turn, help those suffering from the same
disability.
Since its inception in 2004, the Patrick Xavier Owens Memorial
Foundation has raised more than $100,000 for the Association for
Children with Down syndrome, a school in Plainview that Patrick
attended.
These fundraising efforts have left Vincent Santo in awe.
"The Patrick Xavier Owens fundraiser is one of the highlights of the
year for ACDS," said Santo, director of development and corporate
relations for the ACDS. "I have watched [Alan] dedicate himself to this
cause with great passion, while balancing his work and growing family
commitments. I am truly in awe of what he has accomplished on ACDS'
behalf."
But on Saturday, this year's event will take on an additional meaning.
After superstorm Sandy left East Rockaway High School and its athletic
department in shambles, Owens decided to use the annual event to raise
money for both ACDS and his former high school’s sports program.
East Rockaway athletic director Dominick Vulpis is grateful for
Owens’ efforts: "Athletics at East Rockaway has always been more than
just winning — it's [about] teaching civility and life lessons learned
through sport," Vulpis said.
"Alan, a former student-athlete, is a prime example of this expected
outcome. As part of our program, we tell our athletes, ‘What goes
around, comes around’ in life and it's important to pay things forward
for the good of our community. As we continue to rebound [from
superstorm Sandy], love continues to repay our district."
Saturday’s events will begin with a three-on-three coed basketball
tournament at East Rockaway High School at 10:30 a.m., followed by a
Disney character party at 12:30 p.m. and conclude with a reception at
the Coral House in Baldwin at 7 p.m.
"This is a very special day that my family and I look forward to each
year — celebrating the life of Patrick with all of our friends and
family," said Owens, who was born and raised in East Rockaway along with
seven brothers and a sister.
"This will be the first year that the foundation will be donating to two
separate great schools that have both played major roles in my family's
lives over the past 25 years."
Santo said the funds received from the Patrick Xavier Memorial
Foundation have helped more than 1,000 families — from early childhood
through adulthood — suffering from a variety of developmental
disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism. And due to a shortfall
of government funding, the Patrick Xavier Memorial Foundation has
helped to keep ACDS afloat.
"Government funding has been held flat for many years and does not fully
cover the cost of providing educational and therapy services to our
children," Santo said.
"ACDS could not survive without the generosity of supporters like the
Owens family and their friends. [They] recognize that our staff cares
deeply for every family that we serve."
For more information, to purchase tickets or make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.acds.org.