Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot Headlining IGHL’s Spring Gala

“Thursday, May 17, Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc. (IGHL), a not for profit organization that provides services for men, women and children who experience developmental and intellectual disabilities, is hosting our premiere annual fundraising gala at Flowerfield in St. James, NY,” Frank Lombardi, Chief Operating Officer, IGHL and Affiliates, shared.

IGHL was founded in 1978 with just one group home in Mount Sinai. Since then the organization has expanded tremendously, with 71 more homes and several community-based day programs that reach western Nassau County all the way to the East End.

The Gala will commemorate those who have made the expansion possible. “This year’s event will be highlighting the accomplishments of IGHL’s affiliates: NIS, VIBS, Angela’s House, and CDD,” he explained.

The New Interdisciplinary School (NIS) was the first to join the IGHL family – back in 1999. NIS provides educational services for children from birth to 5 years of age. Angela’s House, which offers assistance to the medically frail and technology-dependent children that reside on Long Island, became an affiliate of IGHL in 2002.

Later on, The Center for Developmental Disabilities (CDD, “The Center”), which provides residential and day programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and has its own school for children ages 6-21, and The Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS), which provides rape and domestic violence counseling and also offers important expertise and aid for the prevention of human trafficking, also joined the IGHL family.

“In attendance will be parents, advocates, board members, vendors, staff and consumers celebrating the work of IGHL and all of its affiliates,” Lombardi said.

It will also feature a Gala favorite. “Also in attendance and performing in concert – Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot – Celebrating The Music of Billy Joel,” Lombardi added.

DelGuidice, a well-known Long Island musician/singer/songwriter, had been showcasing the music of Billy Joel for 18 years when the Piano Man caught a gig and hired DelGuidice to join his band – right on the spot. Ever since then, DelGuidice has been living out his dream, touring with Joel and his band fulltime.

“That’s me…I know my voice…That’s a tape…but it was this guy…Mike DelGuidice,” Joel said about the evening’s headliner during an interview on the SiriusXM Channel.

In addition to the unforgettable concert, the evening will include a buffet and open bar.

“Funding is going to support all of our programs,” Lombardi added. “It goes to enhance all of our services that we provide.”

IGHL’s 2018 Gala will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $150.

Flowerfield is located at 199 Mills Pond Road in St James. For tickets, call 631-878-8900 ext. 103. For more information, visit www.ighl.org.