The Foundation for Long Island State Parks presented Anne W. Ellis, board chairman, Channel 21; Dr. Henry Viscardi, founder, National Center for Disability Services; and sportscaster Bob Wolff with its Distinguished Service Medals for their outstanding contributions to Long Island. The presentation was one of the highlights at the Foundation's Third Annual Dinner Dance held at the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay.

Named in Who's Who of American Women, Anne W. Ellis has been an integral part of many of Long Island's universities and non-profit organizations. She is a board member for Help For The Poor, an advisory board member of Save the Children, and a trustee at Long Island University. Her volunteer efforts have earned her numerous awards and recognition. She is currently board chairman of Channel 21 (WLIW) Public Television.

As founder of the National Center for Disability Services in Albertson, Dr. Henry Viscardi has championed the belief that individuals with disabilities can achieve success and lead productive lives. Born without legs, Dr. Viscardi started Abilities, Inc. a business that employed people with disabilities and the Henry Viscardi School, which serves children with disabilities. Honored by organizations worldwide, Dr. Viscardi is living proof that people with disabilities can accomplish their goals.

Best-known as the "longest-running sports announcer" in television, Bob Wolff's sportscasts have earned him an induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, four New York's Sportscaster of the Year Awards, and two Emmys. He is also the author of three books including his most recent, It's Not Who Won or Lost the Game, It's How You Sold The Beer. A New York native, Mr. Wolff is currently in his 12th year as sports director/anchor for News 12 Long Island.

Dr. James D. Watson, president, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Nobel Prize winner received the Foundation's Robert Moses Master Builder Award at the black tie gala. The Robert Moses Master Builder Award is presented to a nationally known figure active in the fields of recreation, parks and environment, or historic preservation. In 1997 it was awarded to Ted Turner; Martha Stewart was the recipient in 1998.

Proceeds from the annual awards dinner dance are used to fund numerous Long Island State Park's educational programs, conservation efforts, and recreational activities not covered in New York State's annual budget.