The Nicholas Center Celebrates Night In White

Autism organization supports innovative programming and jobs for individuals with autism

The Nicholas Center celebrates their annual Night in White Gala on Thursday, July 20 at North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington. This year’s event honors Daniel Ryan and Unsung Siblings Foundation. The event will mark another stellar year of vocational skills training and supported employment, productive community projects and fostering vital peer connections for autistic adults who face a staggering 85 percent unemployment and under-engagement once school ends. Sponsors include Liane Kupferberg Carter and Marc Carter, Loren and Wayne King and Bianca and Rob Degaudenzi.

Co-Founder Stella L. Spanakos says of Honoree Daniel Ryan, he is “the ultimate optimist...ready to rise to the occasion, it’s his superpower. When faced with adversity or tragedy, he asks what needs to be done…and does it!”

Honoree Daniel Ryan is a long-time supporter and advocate of The Nicholas Center (TNC) saying, “Philanthropy has always been my greatest priority. I have done my best to make sure I give back to communities in need.”

He is father to three boys, including Jonathan, a young man with autism. He is a passionate advocate for the special needs and veterans’ communities. He is a longtime supporter of The Nicholas Center both personally and via Unsung Siblings Foundation, which he formed in 2016 to address the needs of siblings of special needs individuals and the special