STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The GRACE Foundation marked a milestone on Friday, April 5 with its 25th Anniversary Gala, held at The Vanderbilt, South Beach.
More than 400 guests gathered to celebrate the foundation’s years of dedication to autism awareness and support for individuals with autism.
The GRACE Foundation marked a significant milestone on April 5, 2025 with its 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
The GRACE Foundation offers programs and resources for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, while embracing the capabilities and talents of participants.
During the evening’s program, three prestigious awards were presented to deserving individuals and organizations.
The Shining Star Awards were given to two remarkable GRACE participants, Nicholas Manfredonia and Nicholas Caldarera. Both young men have made significant strides in their journey with autism and have shown great dedication to the community.
The night’s highest honor, the 25th Anniversary Honoree Award, was bestowed upon Frank Viglione in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the foundation and his ongoing commitment to raising awareness for autism.
Pictured are the family of honoree Nicholas Manfredonia (l-r): Karen Manfredonia, Vivian Manfredonia, Diane Manfredonia Ilardi, Nicholas Manfredonia, Linda Manfredonia, Katherine Modena, and James Manfredonia. (Courtesy of Steve White)
MAJOR SPONSORS
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Merge Event Solutions, with live music from the band Paris, who kept the crowd energized throughout the night.
The gala was made possible by generous sponsors, including Empire State Bank, Colonial Funeral Home, Perciballi Containers and First Response Exterminating.
Major 25th Anniversary Sponsors included Marvel Consults, Merge Event Solutions, Tekie Geek, PRcision LLC, Staten Island Media Group, and Specialties by TradeMark Graphics.
The support helps ensure the quality of life for children, teens, young adults is enhanced by GRACE programs that include Day Habilitation, Site Based Respite and Community Habilitation.
Chairman Michael Lanza and his wife Joie Lanza enjoy the 25th Anniversary Gala on April 5, 2025 at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
A THIRD GUINNESS WORLD RECORD
Adding to the excitement of the evening, the gala took place just days after a remarkable achievement by GRACE Foundation.
On April 2, the foundation broke its third Guinness World Record for placing the highest number of autism awareness ribbons on a vehicle. A total of 12,000 ribbons were placed on a vehicle, marking yet another significant moment in the foundation’s history.
A few days after the record-breaking event, The GRACE Foundation hosted its Second Annual Walk for All event, another key initiative in support of Autism Awareness Month. The event brought together the local community to raise awareness and show solidarity for individuals on the autism spectrum.
See photos from the event below, and send your photos for consideration for future installments of this column to gsantos@siadvance.com.
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Chairman Michael Lanza welcomes the guests at The GRACE Foundation Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
(L-r): Anthony Rapacciuolo, Dan Ryan, Tatiana Arguello, Cathy DelPriore, Massimo DiDonna and Vinny Bonomi enjoy The GRACE Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
The GRACE Foundation marked a significant milestone on April 5, 2025 with its 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
James and Linda Manfredonia flank their son, Nicholas Manfredonia, who was honored at The GRACE Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt. (Courtesy of Steve White)
Honoree Nick Caldarera, center, is surrounded by family and friends at the GRACE Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt. (Courtesy of Steve White)
Guests enjoy the The GRACE Foundation, which marked the 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
Maryann Virga, left, and Claire Atalla, CEO of Catholic Charities Staten Island, enjoy The GRACE Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)GRACE Foundation
The GRACE Foundation marked a significant milestone on April 5, 2025 with its 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
Gala honoree Frank Viglione addresses the guests, as Michael and Joie Lanza look on, at The GRACE Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
L-r: Luanne Sorrentino, Doreen Cugno and Sahinaz Arcuri enjoy the GRACE Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
L-r: Bailey, Cathy, Joe and Taylor DelPriore enjoy The GRACE Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
Mike Bloomfield, left, Desiree DiDonna and Massimo DiDonna enhoy the The GRACE Foundation gala. (Courtesy of Steve White)
Honoree Mr. and Mrs. Viglione, with their children, Joseph, Matthew and Isabella, enjoy The GRACE Foundation gala on April 5, 2025 at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
Dan and Kerry Ryan enjoy the The GRACE Foundation's 25th Anniversary Gala at The Vanderbilt, an event that attracted over 400 guests. (Courtesy of Steve White)
Diane Peruggia and Joie Lanza (foreground) take a photo with (l-r) Katghleen McBratney, Carolyn Alessi, Sandra Mastropietro, Ellie Bosco, Liz Mezzacappa and Lynne Galdamez (Courtesy Diane Peruggia)(Courtesy Diane Peruggia)
(l-r): Vincent Aielo, Cynthia Aielo, Michel Nicolo and Anthony Nicolo enjoy the GRACE Gala festivities. (Courtesy Diane Peruggia)(Courtesy Diane Peruggia)
(L-r) Liz Lenza, Andy Lenza, Diane Peruggia, Michael Peruggia, Billy Hughes, and Laura Hughes smile for the camera. (Courtesy Diane Peruggia)(Courtesy Diane Peruggia)
Kathleen McBratney, left, Diane Peruggia and Sandra Mastropietro smile for the camera at the GRACE Foundation gala. (Courtesy Diane Peruggia)(Courtesy Diane Peruggia)
Nicole Cirillo, left, Kathleen Baroz and Alexa Peruggia enjoy the GRACE Foundation gala. (Courtesy Diane Peruggia) (Courtesy Diane Peruggia)
(L-r): Kelly Ryan, Tara McDonough, Annmarie McDonough and Tom McDonough enjoy the GRACE Foundation gala. (Courtesy Diane Peruggia)(Courtesy Diane Peruggia)