COOPERSTOWN _ More than 250 people filled the dining room of the Otesaga Resort Hotel on Saturday for the fourth annual Springbook Gala.
Attendees gathered to celebrate the work of Springbrook, an educational center for people with learning disabilities located in Milford Center, and the achievements of its employees and volunteers, including author Connor Gifford.
Springbrook has been helping people with learning disabilities for 83 years in residential living, day school, group home and advisory opportunities.
"We are involved with very young children in early intervention programs to the elderly," Administrative Coordinator Kelly Zack-Decker said, adding that Springbrook can be a complete part of an individual's life.
Tables were filled with sponsors, families and staff, but this year the table where most attention was drawn included Springbrook Executive Director Patricia Kennedy, board member for the Upstate Home for Children and Adults Foundation Tom Maggs and his wife, Amy, as well as Margaret, Chuck and Julie Gifford, who accompanied the evening's main honoree, Connor Gifford.
Springbrook's Connor Gifford, 27, was the recipient of Springbrook 2009 Honoree title and the Citizen of the Year award.
He has written a recently published book, works three jobs, is a volunteer for many organizations and is a board member of STAR (a provider of services to children with special needs). He also is an avid American history lover and has been interviewed by such reporters Chris Matthews of MSNBC, Katie Couric of CBS and Vern Laux of NPR.
Connor said is proud that he has Down Syndrome and the perspective it has given him on life.
After an address that emphasized the importance of fulfilling your dreams, Connor was joined by Kennedy and Maggs to be presented with his special award. He accepted and offered thanks to his parents, Chuck and Julie, his grandmother Margaret, book co-author Victoria Harris and many others. The room was full of smiles, applause and tears of joy.
Among those in attendance, members of the Goldstein family of Long Island had a lot to say about their experiences and the attributes of Springbrook.
Jeffery and Hillary Goldstein have a 16-year-old daughter, Alyssa, who is a resident at the Springbrook Center, and they explained their respect and gratitude for the facility. Alyssa and her twin brother, Andrew, were both born with disabilities and their parents said they sought the best care possible for each.
Jeffery said attempts to find qualified, caring and nurturing environments for the children required looking beyond any options close to home. When they found Springbrook, they said they discovered the perfect answer for Alyssa. It was "a very worthy choice" Hillary said.
With son Ian, 17, off to college next year, 10-year-old Stephanie busy with activities and Alyssa's twin brother being cared for in a specialized center in Wisconsin, the Goldsteins said they are devoted to providing their children with a fulfilling lifestyle and Springbrook is a sure fit.
This year's gala was the largest so far in attendance, the number of sponsors and auction donations.
"This year we have received more support from the community than ever before," Zack-Decker said.
Silent auction items ranged from artwork, travel, food, fashion, home décor, children's items and educational opportunities. The proceeds will benefit Springbrook's Kids Unlimited Preschool.
Sponsorships from more than 18 businesses, families and organizations that contributed anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 made the evening a financial success for the institution.
The Native Sons Jazz Trio performed during the dinner hour, and New York Minute played music for dancing. Later, the sky over Lake Otsego was ablaze with fireworks to conclude the evening.
