Guild for Exceptional Children honors three community leaders

October 27, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

From left: Ann Falutico, John Abi-Habib, Vincent Nativo, Arthur Aidala, Paul Cassone, State Sen. Marty Golden, Dr. Frank Sena, Celeste Sena, Arlene Rutuelo and Brian Chin. Eagle photos by Arthur De Gaeta

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The Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC), one of Bay Ridge’s most esteemed organizations, held its annual autumn gala on Oct. 20 at Gargiulo’s restaurant in Coney Island.

GEC, a nonprofit agency that assists developmentally disabled children and adults, honored some of Brooklyn’s most distinguished civic leaders. WABC-TV/“Eyewitness News” anchor Ken Rosato served as master of ceremonies.

GEC Board of Directors President Arlene Rutuelo welcomed guests, including elected officials, community leaders and members of the GEC community.

“We continue to rely on the generosity of our friends to support us in our mission to help children and adults living with developmental disabilities lead dignified and satisfying lives, and to help them reach their fullest potential, while assisting their families in every step of their journey,” Rutuelo said.

Rutuelo’s daughter Danielle is a member of the GEC community.

“The GEC Annual Gala was a spectacular and successful event this year,” Rutuelo told the Brooklyn Eagle. “I am amazed at the generous heart of our community, as they embrace the GEC’s mission and every person we care for each day.”

GEC Executive Director Paul Cassone called the evening’s honorees “insightful people … who believe in our mission and believe in the worth of the people in our care.”

Rosato thanked GEC for all the great work they do as he presided over the awards presentation. This year’s GEC Leadership Award was presented to Arthur Aidala, the managing partner at Aidala, Betuna & Kamins, P.C., a law firm specializing in civil and criminal litigation. He has tried several high profile cases, most notably the successful defense of football great Lawrence Taylor. Aidala has been a legal analyst for Fox News for the past decade.

John Abi-Habib and Brian Chin were the recipients of the GEC Leadership Award. Abi-Habib is founder and president of MSI Net. Inc., a firm headquartered at 415-417 86th St. that provides internet support to schools and businesses. Abi-Habib is a community leader who serves on the board of various civic organizations including the Salaam Club of New York.

“I was honored to be part of the Guild’s gala this year,” said Abi-Habib. “The Guild has been part of our lives for over a decade. A few years ago, the board of the Salaam Club of New York voted to give all proceeds from their holiday gala to benefit the Guild.

“My family and I have been involved with the mission and vision of the organization for quite some time,” he continued. “I am honored to be an advocate and ambassador for the Guild and its good works. It is greatly needed in our community and New York at large.”

Chin, president of Northfield Bank and a civic leader, also serves on organizational boards, including being president of the Colonial Club of Bay Ridge.

Ann Falutico and Vincent Nativo both received the GEC’s Exceptional Friend Award and Dr. Frank Sena and Celeste Sena received the Founder’s Sprit Award.

Also attending the gala were TV news personality Geraldo Rivera, state Sen. Marty Golden, City Councilmember Vincent Gentile, former City Councilmember Domenic Recchia, former Brooklyn Republican Party Chairman Craig Eaton, Republican City Council candidate John Quaglione, attorneys Joseph and Joanne Seminara, Joe Elhilow and community leader Ralph Succar.

Golden and Gentile presented proclamations from the state and city recognizing the award recipients for their community service.