Tom Seaver Throws First Pitch for Otsar Grand Slam Slated for October 17thLegendary Mets Pitcher Addressed Otsar Annual Dinner At Shaarei Zion on June 16th
Brooklyn, NY June 28 - The 300 guests at Otsar's Annual Dinner, which took place on Wednesday, June 16th in the ballroom of Congregation Shaarei Zion, were thrilled by the presence of Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Seaver. Mr. Seaver was given an award by the organization for his commitment to the needs of developmentally-challenged children. Mr. Seaver used the opportunity to make a powerful pitch for "Otsar's Grand Slam" scheduled to take place at Keyspan Park in Coney Island - home of the Brooklyn Cyclones - on Sunday October 17th. The Dinner was chaired by prominent Brooklyn pediatrician, Dr. Stuart Ditchek, and Councilman Dominick Recchia.
The honorees of the evening were Gwen Susan Bloom, who was awarded the Chanie Friedler Memorial Award for fifteen years of dedicated service. Gwen, who is Otsar's Director of Communications, started as a teacher in the Sunday school program. The Tree of Life Award was given to the New York Mercantile Exchange in recognition for its significant support of Otsar's programs. Phyllis Markson and Harry Slepian accepted the Ahavat chesed Award on behalf of their late father Allan Slepian obm for his instrumental role in creating a permanent home for Otsar.
The program began with opening remarks from the evening MC Danny Cutler, an Otsar parent, who movingly recounted how "when our daughter Tali was born 13 years ago, the doctors suggested that we leave her in the hospital because she would never walk, she would never talk, she will be a vegetable. Yet, earlier this year - contrary to the prognosis at birth - a poised Tali strode to the podium at Otsar, and gave a special Dvar Torah walking and talking and giving joy to all."
Before presenting the special award to Tom Seaver, Dr. Ditchek pointed out that "every founding member of Otsar has raised their own children with disabilities, with the help of Otsar Family Services." He then continued; "I want to be part of an organization that understands the needs and feelings of families in this unique situation better than anybody because they live it every day." He described the incredible strength and sensitivity of Otsar parents who consider their children a gift rather than a burden, and who celebrate their children for the great joy they give.
Tom Seaver and Bobby Murcer to Manage Teams
Tom Seaver used the opportunity to reach out to the entire community, urging everyone to support and participate in Otsar's Grand Slam event which will take place on Sunday October 17th at Keyspan Park. The Grand Slam will include an all-day carnival; clinics in pitching, fielding, and batting with instruction from major league players; and a celebrity softball game with both professional and sponsored players. The teams will be managed by Mr. Seaver, the New York Mets Hall of Fame pitcher, and NY Yankees legend Bobby Murcer.
In his comments, Mr. Seaver noted that "I am very picky about the causes I support, and I'm proud to be associated with Otsar for the same reason you should be. Because Otsar has undertaken the heroic responsibility for integrating and mainstreaming special kids into the community - and giving them the dignity and self-worth to which they are entitled." He explained that, "for an athlete, helping children is a two way street - and the athlete is always the biggest beneficiary. Sometimes something as simple as an autographed picture can make all the difference in a child's life, yet the effort is as easy as popping open a soda can. The rewards for me are tenfold."
Grand Slam Sell-Out Anticipated
"We expect a sellout crowd of 7,000 for Otsar's Grand Slam" says event chairman Benjy Berger. "More importantly we're counting on corporate and individual sponsorships to make the event a resounding success, and to help underwrite the highly individualized work Otsar does for the families of the developmentally disabled.
"There has never been an event like this before", says Berger, a realtor who is a member of Otsar's board. "The impetus behind this occasion is to finally make Otsar, an organization that plays such a critical role in the community, a household name.
"This event is a unique partnership of baseball greats and ordinary people, major corporations and small businesses, community leaders and children with special challenges -- all coming together for an unforgettable afternoon of fun."
Sponsorship opportunities for the Celebrity Grand Slam include baseball clinics with major league players; the chance to play with or against professionals players under the management of Tom Seaver or Goose Gossage; fully catered luxury suites for 18 guests with celebrity visits; and of course, advertising in the program, on the outfield wall and on the scoreboard during the game.
For further information, please contact the Otsar office at 718-946-7301 ext 226 or email grandslam@otsar.org or check our website www.otsar.org
