Over 200 people gathered at Bobby Valentine's restaurant, which is located across from Shea Stadium in Queens, to help raise funds for services to help children with autism. Valentine, the manager of the New York Mets, and his restaurant, Bobby V's Sports Bar and Restaurant, hosted a benefit dinner on Feb. 13, which was sponsored by Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC).

QSAC, a local nonprofit organization that serves over 800 families throughout Long Island and New York City, benefited from the enthusiasm of New York Mets fans. Úquot;I can't believe how quickly the event sold out and how generous Bobby Valentine, the New York Mets and their fans have been,Úquot; said Gary Maffei, executive director of QSAC. Úquot;I guess their saying holds true - you gotta believe.Úquot;

The evening's activities featured a silent auction of Mets autographed memorabilia and tickets. Gene McCauley and his daughter Meriah, owners of Woodhaven Art Gallery, donated a memorial picture that depicted all 343 of the lost firefighters from the World Trade Center attack. The piece was also auctioned with the proceeds being split between QSAC and former Met Rusty Staub's New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund.Úquot; The McCauleys are lifelong Mets fans and when they heard about Valentine's dedication to World Trade Center relief, donating the memorial piece was the least they could do. Gene McCauley's nephew was recently diagnosed with autism so QSAC was an obvious recipient of his generosity.

Úquot;A customer mentioned QSAC to me and told me about the great things that they do,Úquot; said Valentine during an interview with the Plainview Herald. Úquot;I am so happy to be hosting this event. This is my last night in town and I am leaving Thursday [February 14] for spring training in Florida. I am lucky that I have an understanding wife.Úquot;

As those in attendance enjoyed the memorabilia, ate dinner and reminisced about their favorite Mets moment, the video A Night to Remember, which highlights the Sept 21, 2001 Mets game against the Atlanta Braves, the first sporting event in New York after the September 11 attacks, played in the background. Within minutes of starting the tape, people froze and all eyes were on the many television sets in the restaurant. Diana Ross' rendition of God Bless America, Marc Anthony singing the National Anthem and Liza Minnelli performing New York, New York echoed through the once noisy restaurant.

Úquot;That was the first time I saw that video,Úquot; said an emotional Valentine. Úquot;It is so touching. Everyone needs to help out all of the time just like everyone is doing here tonight for autism.Úquot;

The new Bobby V's Sports Bar and Restaurant, which is located on 114th Street in Corona, Queens and owned by the New York Mets Manager along with his friends, is the third in a chain joining locations in Connecticut and Texas. It overlooks Shea Stadium and houses a tremendous baseball memorabilia collection - all of Valentine's personal possessions. For more information about QSAC please contact 718-7-AUTISM.