Deborah Young | Monday, November 19, 2007 | Hofstra University, NY

Bradley Gerstman, leading Long Island attorney, lobbyist and company president, and his family were among those honored at Hofstra University’s Autism Awareness Day, held during the 2007 home opener for Hofstra basketball. The Gerstmans were recognized for their efforts on behalf of Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, at a special halftime presentation. Hofstra hosted more than 3,600 fans for this event, along with almost ten million viewers who watched the game on Fox Sports NY. Gerstman, a former Hofstra football player, was presented with a commemorative game ball and was interviewed by Fox Sports NY.

The Gerstman family created the Hofstra/Autism Speaks partnership and was instrumental in making Autism Awareness Day a success. Among their many contributions was a significant donation raised through proceeds from an event sponsored by the family’s Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation. Hofstra donated $5 for each ticket sold through Autism Speaks.

To show their support for Autism Speaks, all of the coaches and on-court personnel, including those for the opposing team, the Manhattan College Jaspers, wore the well-recognized blue puzzle-piece pin that symbolizes the critical work of this outstanding organization. During the game, Autism Speaks public service announcements were played on the JumboTron and an information table with volunteers ready to answer questions and educate attendees was prominently placed near the gym. Major donors and special guests watched the game from one of Hofstra’s sky suites.

Gerstman, a longtime advocate for children with special needs, is Chair of the Education Law practice at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek and a member of the Education Law Association and the Nassau County Bar Association’s Education Law Committee. He is on the Board of Directors and serves as vice president of the Long Island Medical Foundation, and is also on the Board of Directors of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, where he is chair of the facilities committee and spearheading a $400 million makeover of the hospital, clinics, and senior living facility.