Gladiator Fund Holds 2013 Annual Dinner

Every year there is one dinner everyone in New Hyde Park doesn’t feel obligated to go to – one that is for a good cause that helps your neighbor – the New Hyde Park Gladiator Fund Dinner.

This year the community hallmark was held on April 5 at the New Hyde Park Inn and raised over $12,000.

For the last 24 years the Gladiator Fund has been helping children from New Hyde Park by raising money to put towards needed care and treatment.

“One thing about New Hyde Park, guys, is we are a loving, caring, community,” Gladiator Fund Chairman Dan Connor said. “We may move out of New Hyde Park but New Hyde Park doesn’t move out of you.”

This year was the fund’s biggest turnout for the dinner dance with over 460 people in attendance, standing as a testament to the exact character of the residents and their friends from neighboring towns. Connor thanked others for their support and was in awe of the total outpouring.

“It’s really incredible and I’m honored to do this for the children and for New Hyde Park,” he said. “I’m honored to give financial support for the parents who need it. I’m really glad to be able to do this.”

Also being honored was Bobby “Sparky” Anderson, an active member of the Gladiator Fund he passed away in 2012.

This year the Gladiator Fund was fundraising for five-year old Matthew Kiley, the son of John Kiley and Jackie Pennisi. Matthew was born with autism and the money will go to improved therapies, purchasing Matthew a computer and a trip to Sesame Place in Pennsylvania. The trip to Sesame Place is a treat since Matthew, like many autistic children, can have difficulties in an environment like an amusement park. However, Sesame Place though is “autistic friendly” and when the staff identifies an autistic guest they act with the special consideration in mind.

The Kileys have both attended the Gladiator Fund as contributors in the past and now are on the receiving end. Both felt a bit overwhelmed by the amount of support and love shown by the community.

“It’s unbelievable, it is overwhelming,” John Kiley said. “I can’t really explain it, it’s incredible the amount of love.”

Pennisi agreed: “I’m at a loss for words, it is overwhelming the support. It’s like family to be a part of a tight knit community like this and everyone comes together and everyone knows each other and supports one another.”

Both had visiting family and the special notion of community was impressed upon them.

“I have family members from Jersey and they can’t believe it,” Kiley said. “They’ve never seen anything like this.”

Many of the guests were also past recipients themselves. Diane Ambroselli, a guest with Pennisi’s family, said that “so many of the people that received it are here and then the come back to give. It’s unbelievable.”

The winner of the 50/50 raffle that night also donated most of his winnings to the fund.

Pennisi recalled breaking down when Dan Connor informed her of the total she would be receiving, being the summation of an almost surreal series of events.

Pennisi. had just celebrated her birthday on April 2, which is also Autism Awareness Day. April is also Autism Awareness Month. Kiley and Pennisi added that they both look forward to continuing to be a part of the Gladiator Fund.

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