20th Anniversary

SEEC's 20th Anniversary Celebration:
An Outpouring of Community Support

On April 17, 2008 more than 350 people gathered at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda to celebrate SEEC's 20th Anniversary - raising more than $150,000 to support people with developmental disabilities as they become valued, contributing members of our community.

Attendees included long-time supporters, new friends, families, men and women who participate in SEEC's programs, and SEEC staff. TV Journalist, Chris Gordon served as Masters of Ceremonies and introduced SEEC's new video slide show "Ordinary Miracles." SEEC's president, Richard Barsky and Gala Chairs Leslie and Sam Kaplan made welcoming remarks, followed by "The American Dream: A Patchwork Quilt" speech by Karen J. Lee, SEEC's Executive Director of eighteen years.

Following her speech, Karen introduced U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, who recalled his days as a member of SEEC's Board of Directors. He commended Karen on realizing her vision for a higher caliber of services and supports for people who have long been unrecognized for the contributions they can make to society. Congressman Van Hollen, an avid advocate for the rights of people with developmental disabilities, also gave the audience an update on legislative affairs affecting the disability community.

Following dinner, attendees enjoyed soulful songs and beautiful ballads performed by award-winning singer and actress, Julia Nixon. Julia was accompanied by the incredibly talented and energetic pianist, Dave Ylvisaker. Julia's past performances include a role as an original "Dream Girl" on Broadway and the leading role in "Caroline or Change." Julia performed songs by Sara Vaughn, and several cuts from her recently released album "Keepin on Track."

In all the evening was a resounding success and fun for all who attended. Our Summer 2008 issue of SEEConnections contains a full account of the event.

We are grateful to the sponsors and supporters below for making our 20th anniversary celebration a huge success.

Gala Celebration Committee

Leslie and Samuel Kaplan, Chairs
Juanita Bailey
Carol and Richard Barsky
Elaine and Norman Brodsky
Geoff Dirksen
Ann Gibbons
Lennie Gladstone
Debra Goren
Suzanne and David Greenleigh
Mike Gugerty
Robin and Jay Hammer
Pam and Brian Howie
Catherine Kleinhuis
Joanne Kyros and Tom Schaufelberger
Toni and Peter Marx
Karen Migdail
Mary and Kevin Murphy
Joe Postow
Keysha Porte
Barbara and Mark Rabin
Barbara Rein
Wendy Robinson
Miriam Weintraub and Steve Blanks

Staff

Karen J. Lee, Executive Director
Cathy Dirksen, Director of Communications and Development
Edwina Dowdie, Communications and Development Associate
Marlene McConnell, Communications and Development Associate

20TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS

Visionary

    Winifred Copeland
    Leslie and Samuel Kaplan
    SBE&S Client's Consolidated Charitable Foundation

Dream Builders

    Autism Speaks
    Elaine and Norman Brodsky
    Linda and Charles Cole
    Delaware Investments
        Dick Kline
    Dickstein Shapiro LLP
        Howard S. Jatlow
        Michael E. Nannes
    Eisner LLP
        Aaron Kaiser
        Ted Levine
    Fidelity & Trust Bank
    The Meakem Group of Wachovia Securities

CHAMPIONS

    Ryna and Melvin Cohen Family Foundation
    Ann Gibbons
    Lennie Gladstone
    Suzanne and Alex Ratnofsky
    Pat and Craig Ruppert
    The Meltzer Group

Benefactors

    Anonymous
    ALCO Pharmacy
    AMR Commercial Real Estate
    Laura Axel
    Carol and Richard Barsky
    Carr Maloney, P.C.
    Susan and Lawrence Chandler
    Chevy Chase Trust
    Joy and S. Robert Cohen
    Robert Davis
    Diana and Larry Eisenstat
    Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman
    Marion and Dan Goldberg
    Sylvia Gough
    Harvey Property Management Company, Inc.
    Nancy and Steve Jacobson
    Karen J. Lee and Jim Brown
    Pat and David Lee
    Edward J. Lenkin
    Mary and Kevin Murphy
    Carole and John Nannes
    Old Dominion Investment Corporation
    Susan and Roger Oldham
    Liz and Mark Ordan
    The Menick-Friese Group and Merrill Lynch
    Toni and Ronald Paul
    Barbara and Bert Rein
    Bailey and John Scheurer
    Wachovia Wealth Management
    Sindy and Louis Weiner
    Gloria and Conrad Williams

Supporters

    ADP
    Anonymous
    Dr. Joseph Autry
    Cheryl and Stuart Axenfeld
    Christine and Lee Barnes
    Elaine and Richard Binder
    Steve Blanks and Miriam Weintraub
    Eve Benton and Malcolm Bund
    Buzzy and Debbie Cohn
    Elizabeth and Joel Davis
    Cathy and Geoff Dirksen
    Dr. Jorge Garcia
    M. Robert Goldstein
    Mark and Tory Joseph
    Barbara and Seth Kaplan
    Joan Kaplan and Marvin Mostow
    Joseph S. Kaplan
    Philip J. Kaplan
    Samuel A. Kotz
    Jeremy Lichtenstein
    Debbie and Jeffery May
    Lynne Miller
    Daryl and Sondra Nickel
    Barbara and Ed Patagalia
    Walter Pennington
    PSA Insurance
        Jeff Wallop
    Carla Rosenthal
    Susan and Paul Schaefer
    Sally and Cal Simmons
    Squire, Lemkin & O'Brien, LLP
    Eve and Andy Stern
    The Insurance Exchange
    Frank Truglio
    Carmelita Tuazon
    Westat
    Lynn and Maurice Whelan