T
he Garden City Real Estate Professionals Foundation (GCRE) held its annual Fall Gala, Cocktails for a Cause, at the Cherry Valley Club in Garden City, NY, raising money and awareness for the International Association for Spelling as Communication (I-ASC). Over 300 attendees gathered to honor Robert and Tara Griffith. Joseph Farkas, GCRE President and Founding Trustee, welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their efforts in supporting I-ASC's innovative therapy for non-speaking autistic individuals.

    Farkas highlighted the staggering statistic that one in thirty-six children is affected by autism, with non-speaking people being disproportionately impacted. He praised Tara and Robert Griffith for their dedication to making a difference and noted GCRE's year-round support of various charities, including Charlie's Champions Foundation and Mollies Fund Foundation.

    The program featured Robert Griffith sharing his family's personal experiences with autism and their journey to discover I-ASC. Elizabeth Vosseller, Executive Director and Founder of I-ASC, discussed the Spelling to Communicate method, which empowers non-speakers to communicate through pointing to letters on a board. GCRE Board Members and the Griffith Family presented Vosseller with a $160,000 check to expand research, awareness, and promote I-ASC's therapy throughout Long Island and the greater New York metropolitan area.

    GCRE supports numerous charities annually, including Charlie's Champions Foundation, Mollies Fund Foundation, and the I'm Not Done Yet Foundation. The organization is committed to making a positive impact in Garden City and surrounding communities. For more information on GCRE or I-ASC, visit www.gcrepf.org or www.i-asc.org.