Honoring Local Altruism: Marrakech to Host 18th Annual Founders' Award Ceremonial Dinner

Founders' Award to Pay Homage to the Dedicated Individuals, Organizations
and Corporations Who Assist in Promoting 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 18th Annual Founders' Award Ceremonial Dinner at Fantasia in North Haven on Thursday, May 15 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $45.00 per person.

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

This year's Founders' Award honorees include the following individuals and corporations: Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Founders' Community Partner Award; Alert Security Systems, Inc., Founders' Corporate Citizenship Award; Edge of the Woods, Employer of the Year; Louis J. Celentano, Suzanne N. Jovin Volunteer of the Year Award; Dr. Jennifer Botwick, Sheila Masterson, New Haven Job Corps, and South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, Special Recognition Awards; Sandi Kahn Shelton, New Haven Register, Media Recognition.

The 2008 Founders' Community Partner Award will be presented to Commissioner Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. Commissioner Kirk, a resident of Cheshire, CT, is being recognized for his continued leadership and development of a healthcare system for individuals with behavioral health needs.

The Founders' Corporate Citizenship Award will be presented to Alert Security Systems, Inc. of New Haven, for their gracious support of services for people with disabilities.

"The Founders' Award Dinner is a wonderful way to pay homage to each of the honorees who have a tremendous impact on the lives of children and adults with disabilities," said Frank McCarthy, Executive Director, Marrakech, Inc. "Each of these men and women are devoted in their continued service to others, which ultimately impacts the community as a whole. The Founders' Award is our way of publicly thanking them for their unwavering dedication and support."

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@horizonmarketing.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.