Crystal Ball, Olympic Gala 2005 Theme Announced

According to event co-chairs Bruce Zicari and Gary Knaak, “The Thirteenth annual “Crystal Ball, Olympic Gala” of 2004 goes down in history as the most successful gala to date having raised a record $107,000 helping to make “Dreams Come True!” for 3200 Special Olympics athletes who compete and train year round in 20 sports. Corporate advisory member, Laura Saxby Lynch introduced the theme….master mind of Post Central’s Gary Knaak and production manager, Gertrude Houston. Vignettes featured Ellie Houston, a track and field competitor and speed skater Tray Greene and his coach Olympic Gold medalist, Cathy Turner. Joining Tray and Ellie were Special Olympics athletes, Megan Abel, Andrea Brown, Andy Marshall, and Adolph Dupree. The audience rose to their feet in applause following singer, Sue Cotroneo and co-chair Gary Knaak’s performance of the Dare to Dream theme song. Knaak, as a surprise to all in the audience, took singing lessons in preparation of the theme song ! Knaak, was joined by pianist, Nathan Perry and the Webster Thomas Jazz Choir.Prior to the dinner, keynote, Bart Conner, Olympic Gold Medalist in Gymnastics, conducted a clinic for Gymnasts at the Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester. Athletes got pointers on floor exercises, the balance beam, parallel bars and various gymnastics routines. Conner, a board member of Special Olympics International, has done many clinics for Special Olympics athletes and been a judge at World Games with his wife Nadia Commenche, also a board member.. It was Conner’s second appearance at the gala having participated in 1996, sponsored by the Xerox team Olympian program.The gala, attended by nearly 600 guests, raised a record $107,000. Auction proceeds came in at $53,000 under the direction of co-chairs, Lori Ramsperger and Tom Ahern.Next year’s event is scheduled for April 2, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. The theme is, “I Believe”. The theme will focus on the many volunteers, parents, sponsors, coaches and people who support the Special Olympics athlete. The band, “Total Soul” from New York City will help present the theme and will bring excitement to the dancing that follows the dinner. .Co-chairs of the 2005 event are Gary Knaak of Post Central and RIT’s Cindee Gray. Auction Co-chairs are Lori Ramsperger of PAETEC Communications and Tony DiCesar of Bank of America. Tables are being sold at $1,000. Patron Tables with a ½ page ad are $1200. Event Sponsors receive a full page ad for $2500. To attend or sponsor the event on April 2, 2005 call (585) 585-7400 x 104.