Bradley Gerstman, prominent Long Island attorney, lobbyist and company president, was the featured speaker at a recent fundraiser for Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization. The proceeds will contribute to the funding and facilitating of autism research. The event, sponsored by Tobacco Plaza in Great Neck, was held at the Havana Cigar Club at the Carlton Restaurant in Eisenhower Park.

“Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the U.S.,” said Gerstman. “We must take action now to find an answer for the children and families who are affected and Autism Speaks is leading the way. I am committed to raising awareness and funds to support their extraordinary efforts.”

Nearly 200 people attended the event, which was comprised of business owners, lawyers, and other concerned supporters. This diverse group of attendees included a number of people who signed on to sponsor future fund raising initiatives for Autism Speaks. An auction of sports memorabilia and other unique items produced an outstanding response from the large and enthusiastic crowd.

“Brad’s involvement in this fundraiser was instrumental in making it a huge success and helping us move toward finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for autism,” said Richard Mallow, Long Island Walk Director or Autism Speaks. “We are very fortunate to have dedicated supporters like Brad working with us.”

Mr. Gerstman, who lives in Roslyn, is a partner in GerstmanSchwartz Law and Gotham Government Relations,  both based in Uniondale. He has served as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor with a successful track record as an advocate on a wide range of cases including those involving corporate fraud and corruption, and violent crimes and narcotics.

Active in politics and the community, and the author of several bestselling books, Gerstman is on the Board of Directors of the Nassau Health Care Corporation and the Long Island Medical Foundation, where he serves as vice president. In addition, he is co-founder and Board member of the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation, a family foundation that provides summer camp experiences for children with physical disabilities. In 2007, he acted as planning committee advocacy chair for Autism Speaks Long Island Walk Now.

Gerstman is also president and general counsel of Quest Service Group, LLC, one of the largest private employers on Long Island. Headquartered in Garden City, Quest is a national retail services firm that provides a broad range of merchandising, event marketing, fixture installation, construction, and project management services. Gerstman oversees all business operations, including company strategy, business development and customer service.

For more information on Autism Speaks, call 212-252-8584.