FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Linda Mullen, 516-393-3147
January 31, 2008

The Officers and Directors of the Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation are pleased to announce that the FOURTEENTH ANNUAL THERESA AWARDS DINNER will take place on Friday, May 2, 2008 beginning at 7:30 p.m., at The Bridgeview Yacht Club, Island Park, New York.

The 2008 honorees for outstanding contribution to persons with special needs are Sidiki Conde, founder of his own dance company, Tokounou in 1989. Sidiki comes from Guinea, West Africa. At a young age he lost the use of his legs but music and dance continued to be his vocation. Through the years, Sidiki has worked with children and adults of all abilities giving performances all over the world and Rebecca C. Morgan, a national advocate for the rights of people with special needs. As Director of the Center for Excellence in Elder Law and Director of the LL.M Program in Elder Law at Stetson University College of Law, she oversaw the construction of their Model Courtroom – one with access for all, regardless of illness, disease or mental or physical challenges. She has served as President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in 1998-99; President of National Senior Citizens Law Center in 2000-02; and she has served on the faculty of the National Judicial College since 1992. She is a natural leader.

Established in 1992, the Theresa grants funds for arts, music, dance and recreational programs to assist children with special needs to achieve the highest possible level of educational, artistic, emotional, physical and intellectual achievement possible.

For reservations and general information regarding the FOURTEENTH ANNUAL THERESA AWARDS, please contact Linda Mullen @ 516-393-3147.