Marrakech to Host 17th Annual Founders Award Dinner: Honoring Those Who Give Back to the Community

Founders Award to Pay Tribute to the Dedicated Individuals, Organizations and Corporations Who Assist in Fostering Positive Change in the Community

Woodbridge, CT - Marrakech Inc., a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of educational, employment and housing programs and services to children and adults throughout Connecticut, will host its 17th Annual Founders Award Ceremonial Dinner at Fantasia in North Haven on Thursday, May 10 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $40.00 per person.

The purpose of the Founders Awards is to recognize individuals, organizations and corporations who see a need in the community and take action in addressing it. Each of the honorees has taken the responsibility to improve the lives of those in need, reflecting the mission and vision of the founders of Marrakech.

This year's Founders Award honorees are: Michelle Duprey, Director of Disability Services, City of New Haven 2007 Founders' Community Partner Award; American Savings Foundation, 2007 Founders' Citizenship Award; Yale University Dining Services, Employer of the Year; Emma and Joe Cuzzocreo, Suzanne N. Jovin Volunteer of the Year Award; Abby Adis, Lucienne Coifman, Margo D'Allesantro, Jeff Euben, Ellen Iead, University of Bridgeport IDEAL Program, and Johanna Warner, Special Recognition Awards.

The Founders' Community Partner Award will be presented to Michelle Duprey, Director of Disabilities Services for the City of New Haven. Ms. Duprey has been a leader in advocacy for the disabled in New Haven as well as throughout the state of Connecticut. A resident of East Haven, she has been recognized as being a driving force in creating positive change throughout the state.

The Founders' Citizenship Award will be presented to the American Savings Foundation, an independent charitable foundation dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting education, human services, and the arts, with a special emphasis on the needs of children, youth and families, through grants to community organizations and college scholarships. The American Savings Foundation, spearheaded by David Davison, president & CEO, is recognized for its donation of $60,000.00, which assisted in the purchase of a non-profit property in Waterbury. This property will be used to offer a safe and affordable living environment for individuals in Marrakech's Acquired Brain Injury program, as well as for those supported through the independent living support services.

During the Founders Awards dinner, a special memorial tribute will be given to the late Suzanne N. Jovin for whom the Volunteer of Year is named after. Ms. Jovin was a Yale University student and member of the Yale chapter of Best Buddies®, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. Suzanne Jovin's sister, Ellen Jovin of New York, will be on hand to present this year's Volunteer of the Year Award to Emma and Joe Cuzzocreo of Orange.

"The Founders Award Dinner honors and celebrates the extraordinary men and women who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of Marrakech consumers and individuals on a daily basis," said Frank McCarthy, Executive Director, Marrakech, Inc. "Each of the honorees exemplifies what it means to give back to the community in a way that is meaningful and profound. The Founders Award dinner is our way of saying 'Thank you' for the impact they continue to make on others."

To purchase tickets or to purchase advertising space in the Founders Award Dinner program guide, please contact Lindsay Foster at 203- 389-2970, ext. 1060.

For media passes and interviews, please contact Debbie Koke at (914) 536-7557 or Debbie@vanguardstrategies.com

About Marrakech:

Marrakech, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of human services to children & adults throughout Connecticut. Founded in 1971, Marrakech established the first halfway house in Connecticut for women with mental retardation. They have continued developing programs and services which are located throughout the State of Connecticut encompassing support to people with a wide range of disabilities, families with complex needs, youth who are at risk, and people without disabilities who are economically disadvantaged.