Guild for Exceptional Children says thanks to ‘Exceptional Friends’

June 26, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Preston Ferraiuolo accepts his “Exceptional Friend” award from Arlene Rutuelo and Paul Cassone. Photo by Liz Amato

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If it takes a village to raise a child, then it also takes a village to help the Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC) fulfill its mission.

The GEC, a Bay Ridge-based nonprofit agency that assists developmental disable children and adults, held a luncheon where Chairperson of the Board Arlene Rutuelo and Executive Director Paul Cassone handed out several Exceptional Friend awards to people who have helped the organization provide services to its clients.

The luncheon took place at the GEC’s headquarters at 260 68th St. on June 21.

The Exceptional Friend honorees included Preston Ferraiuolo, a student at Christa McAuliffe Intermediate School who organized a group of his friends into the Bay Ridge Lemonade Coalition, a group that raises money for charity and takes part in community improvement projects like painting park benches.

The coalition’s recent endeavors include donating books and pajamas for children for the 68th Precinct Community Council’s Community As One charity program in April in which Bay Ridge residents collected items to give to various agencies that assist families in need. In December, Preston and his pals set up a table on the Bay Ridge 86th Street Business Improvement District and sold hot chocolate to busy holiday shoppers. The kids raised $300 for Reaching Out Community Services Inc., an organization that operates a food pantry.

The park-bench-painting effort took place along Shore Road in June of 2016. “The people of this community deserve to have nice benches to sit on and enjoy the beautiful view of the water,” Preston told the Brooklyn Eagle.

Capt. Joseph Hayward, the commanding officer of the 68th Precinct, was among the honorees. Felio Bazile, driver with the Bella Bus Co., was named an Exceptional Friend for his work in driving GEC students to and from classes each day. Patricia Capello, a dance therapist who works with GEC clients, was also among the honorees.

The award winners also included Anthony Chen, a student volunteer at GEC; Jay Filan, branch supervisor of the Brooklyn Public Library; Alfred Macaluso, owner of Pete’s Place; and Anthony Weiberg, a GEC music volunteer.

Rutuelo and Cassone presented the award winners with artworks created by children who attend the GEC’s Carrie Mastronardi Early Childhood Education Center.

The luncheon began with a musical performance by GEC preschoolers.

Established in 1958, the GEC provides housing, education and job training services to developmentally disabled people as well as supportive services for their families.

The GEC sponsors more than a dozen small group homes for adult clients in Brooklyn, including several in Bay Ridge.

“Since 1958, GEC’s mission has been to help children and adults living with development disabilities lead dignified and satisfying lives, reaching their fullest potential and assisting families in every step of their journey. Program participants directly depend on the GEC to provide residential care, education, jobs and a wide range of therapeutic services for their well being and improve their quality of life,” a statement issued by the GEC reads.

For more information, visit gecbklyn.org.