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The always-popular event “recognizes unique accomplishments of individuals with disabilities and those persons in the community who perform selfless acts of assistance and advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities” Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan said.
The honorees:
Natan Vidra of Tenafly (photo above: left), who established the Bergen County chapter of Achilles International for disabled athletes.
Seth Abrams of Fort Lee, a disabled athlete and member of Achilles International.
Johnny Damato, also of Fort Lee, a heart transplant recipient who seeks organs for others.
Jaime Banegas and Jose Pena, both of Fairview, who gathered high school students to assist in the Superstorm Sandy cleanup.
Robert L. Maggiulli, a deaf wrestler from Emerson.
Jodi DiPiazza (photo above: middle), an autistic girl from Rochelle Park who plays drums.
The Rev. Dr. Judy Broker, whose Friends to Friends Ministry in Ridgewood consists primarily of people with disabilities
Sawyer Rosenstein (photo above: right) of Ramsey, and Special Angels of North Arlington: see below
Awards will be presented to individuals and groups deemed to have significantly advanced the cause of the disabled – either by being a role model or by leading efforts to recognize their potential.
Recipients are nominated by members of their community and named by the local Division of Disability Services, the first agency of its kind when it was created by county officials in 1978. It promotes community-based independent living options and helps people with disabilities live rich, full lives.
“We are extremely fortunate to have so many individuals from this area who demonstrate a commitment to the importance of inclusion and changing attitudes,” said Jim Thebery, the division director.
Among them, Special Angels is receiving recognition for its sponsorship of an autistic boys basketball team.
This year’s honorees also include 19-year-old Sawyer Rosenstein of Ramsey, who, despite being permanently paralyzed by a bully’s sucker punch in May 2006, has continued pursuing — and realizing — his dreams.
Rosenstein later received a $4.2 million settlement from the Ramsey school district, considered the largest award of its kind, after he argued that district officials were responsible for his condition because they didn’t comply with New Jersey’s anti-bullying law.
A former professional actor who had spinal fusion in late 2008, the Ramsey High School graduate is now attending the prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, is the host/editor of “Talking Space,” and serves as a flight director at the Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center in Rockland County.
“To go from performing card tricks for a DVD to my body playing tricks on me was truly a difficult experience,” he said last year. “In the same situation, many others have succumbed to the misery of that experience, and in doing so, have become unable to realize their full potential.
“But I realized that there was still a whole world out there, and that one event, even an event this significant and painful, should not ruin my life.”
WHAT: 15th Annual Bergen County Salute to Champions
WHEN: Oct. 25, 10 am-noon
WHERE: Bergen Community College, Moses Family Meeting & Training Center, Building 400, Paramus Road, Paramus
In 1978, Bergen County recognized the need for and approved the creation of an office on Disabilities Services, the first of its kind in the state. Now in its 35th year, the Bergen County Office on Disability Services promotes community-based independent living options, while helping people reach their potential through involvement and inclusion in everyday living.
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