Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Theresa who had a pink wheelchair. She had big brown eyes, fabulous pigtails, and the greatest smile on earth. Every day she would go to school in a small yellow bus. Theresa and her friends worked very hard in school, as good grades did not come easy. Their favorite part of the day was recess because they could play on the playground. Theresa loved motion, music, and being outside.

When Theresa died, her family and friends established the Theresa Foundation to help children like her. In her short lifetime, she was an inspiration to everyone she met. In her memory, the Theresa Foundation supports music, dance, art and recreation programs both locally in Long Island, NY and around the United States.

Each year, the Theresa Foundation hosts the Theresa Awards to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals who go above and beyond in helping and advocating for those with special needs. The awards are presented at the Annual Theresa Awards Dinner held on the Friday evening closest to Theresa’s birthday. This is the Foundation’s main fundraiser of the year, which enables the Foundation to fund programs in the areas of music, dance, art and recreation.

This year’s event is being held at the Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park, NY on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 7:00 pm. We are proud to honor the following recipients for their tireless efforts within their communities:

• Judy Murdaugh-Jackson
• H. Amos Goodall Jr., Esq.
• Kelly A. Piacenti 

Help show appreciation toward these deserving honorees by purchasing your tickets to attend the 23rd Annual Theresa Awards.  If you are unable to attend, you may click here to support the Theresa Foundation. For more information, please call Kirrelle Freeman or Melanie Castillo at 516-683-1717.