Over 120 supporters and friends of the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center in Plainview turned out for a strikingly special night on Saturday, Nov. 4, to support programs and services for children with special needs and their families. Held at AMF Syosset Lanes, the JCC's first-ever "Bowling for KISS Classic" raised over $15,000 to benefit The K.I.S.S. (Kids In Special Services) Center.

The evening began with a video showcasing the KISS Center's exceptional programs and dedicated staff. Produced and donated by JCC members Felice Linder and Doug Field, the video illustrated, via close-up interviews with several moms, the program's overwhelmingly positive impact on their children's social development, language and motor skills, and self-expression. Participants then enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by Ben's Delicatessen followed by bowling and contests. The evening concluded with a drawing of an impressive array of raffles including a flat screen TV, sporting event VIP tickets, fine dining gift certificates, golf and sporting equipment.

Ann Dorman Adler and Jackie Lieberman served as co-chairs of the Bowling for KISS Classic committee, which included Mike Buffa, Amy Cantor, Denise Castagna, Bonnie Goldberg and Andrea Raskin.

"The KISS Center has become a home away from home for our family and so many other families in our community. The teachers, assistants and staff of the Mid-Island Y JCC have created a loving and nurturing environment for our children where they are encouraged and supported to reach their full potential while having fun. My co-chair Jackie Lieberman, our committee members, all of the KISS families and I are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support our efforts and help our children," said Ann Dorman Adler.

"Ann and Jackie, along with their incredible committee, are so passionate about our program and committed to ensuring its success and continued growth in the future. It was a pleasure to work alongside them throughout the planning process and to see the event come together so successfully is a real testament to their dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of children with special needs and their families," added JCC Assistant Executive Director Sue Schwaber Tregerman.

The Mid-Island Y JCC gratefully acknowledges the following business and individuals for their generous support: Perfect Game Sponsors - Ann and Kenneth Adler, Bonnie and Cliff Eisler, Marla, Marc & Emmory Shapses. Strike Sponsors -- Felice Linder and Doug Field, News 12 Long Island. Spare Sponsors - Allure Home Improvements, Denise and Tony Castagna, Mindy and Paul Smolevitz. Lane Sponsors - Donna and Ron Frank, Donna and Mike Gutierrez, Joanne and John Harpel, Jacqueline's Paper Trail, Adam Kroll, Ariann and Rick Lewis, Trish, Jeff and Andrew Meyer, Steven Tregerman-Coldwell Banker, Village Agency Services Inc., Yello Dyno Child Protection.

Created in September 2005 with funding from The J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation, the KISS Center offers services to high-functioning children with developmental disabilities and learning disabilities including language delay, AD/HD, Asperger's and Autism Spectrum disorders. It provides a safe and non-threatening environment in which children with special needs can develop socially, strengthen fine and gross motor skills, and foster independence, confidence and self-esteem.

For more information regarding the KISS Center, please call Kristen Nelson at 822-3535, x332.