The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions confirmed that they have been contacted by the Easter Seals Society about participating in the 24th Annual Easter Seals New York Softball Classic, which will be held in Manhattan at Central Park, on July 20. "The Columbus Lodge has always been one of our strongest supporters," said Easter Seals' Gabriella Berberich.

Corporations, civic organizations, families or friends of various abilities will raise money and have fun playing softball. After the Classic, the members of the Golden Lions will be invited to return to Manhattan for a reception being held with the Softball Classic's honorary chairman Bernie Williams, centerfielder for the New York Yankees. Any team that wishes to participate is encouraged to telephone Gabriella Berberich at (212) 572-6227.

For over 83 years, Easter Seals has a history of community service, from aiding polio victims in the 1950s to spearheading legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act. Last September, Easter Seals established a relief fund to benefit New Yorkers disabled in the World Trade Center attacks. In 2001, for the 21st consecutive year, Easter Seals was ranked #1 among National Health Council members for the percentage of program dollars spent on direct client services (94 percent), and in January 2002, Worth magazine ranked Easter Seals as one of the Top 100 Best Charities.

More than a million disabled children and adults turn to Easter Seals' 450 centers for childcare, job training, and medical rehabilitation. Among the programs offered by Easter Seals is children's services, which help kids with disabilities succeed in school, Easter Seals employment programs help people learn job skills and enter the workplace, and Easter Seals physical medicine and rehabilitation services help people return to their everyday lives.

Columbus Lodge #2143, a longtime participant in the Classic, has won trophies in co-ed and men's games in each of the past four-years. Every year the Classic has provided a new hero for the Golden Lions. Last year, Lee Miceli woke up with a severe stomach virus and wasn't sure he would be able to get out of bed, let alone play softball. Yet, once Lee took the field, he put on a defensive clinic at 3rd base which led his team to a pair of victories against MetLife and F & F Inc.

In the 2000 Classic, Jeff ("the Rock") Saviano slammed four-doubles en route to a win against Olympus USA and, in 1999, the ageless Pete Gisonda (currently 69 y/o) battled 98-degree temperatures and pitched the team to victory against both the accounting firm KPMG and the United States Postal Service. Although not as hot and humid, Pete would repeat that feat at last year's Softball Classic.

"Our (Columbus Lodge #2143) real reward has been helping organizations like Easter Seals become successful helping others," said Golden Lions Captain Ed Bochynski. "Then we're all successful" Since the Golden Lions inception, their participation in charity softball events has helped various organizations raise over $528,000.

The Columbus Lodge #2143, a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America, is a not-for-profit fraternal organization that offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on becoming part of the softball team, or for general information about the organization, one may call (516) 876-6611.