58 The Queens Courier • kids & education • april 30, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com ▶ kids & education Sponsored by There’s more in store for you when you have a 5Star Credit Card. Apply today online at mynycb.com or call us at 1-888-550-9888 Hoda Kotb, of ‘Today,’ shares stories of her personal challenges at fundraiser for children with disabilities Hoda Kotb, co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s “Today” and “Dateline” NBC correspondent, spoke to over 400 guests at the March 30 Reach for a Star luncheon that raised funding for the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center’s after-school programs. Upon her arrival, Kotb greeted Viscardi students and posed for photographs. She opened her remarks by taking some “selfies” that she showed on-air the next morning. After meeting a group of students and learning more about Henry Viscardi School, which serves children with severe physical disabilities, Kotb shared, “I get it ... and why all of you here today help out.” During her entertaining and poignant remarks, Kotb offered words of encouragement and shared some lessons she learned while facing her own challenges. She told a story about how after filming a segment in Ireland while recuperating from her breast cancer surgery, she met a gentleman on the airplane who made her see things differently. He explained how breast cancer was now a part of her and that by sharing her journey she could help Smart Student BANKING1 > Absolutely Free Student Checking •No minimum balance •No per check fee •No monthly maintenance fee > Free unlimited ATM transactions at NYCB locations > Free VISA®CheckCard > Free Direct Deposit > Free On-line Banking with Free Bill Pay† > 24 Hour Bank by Phone > Convenience •Over 140 locations in NY and NJ •Extended branch banking hours •Supermarket banking •7 day-a-week banking at many locations > Pre-Paid Solutions •VISA® Gift Card •Pre-Paid Long Distance •Pre-Paid MasterCardTM •Pre-Paid Wireless Service •MetroCards Open your Student Checking2 Account today and enjoy: • NO MINIMUM BALANCE FEE • NO PER-CHECK FEE • NO MONTHLY SERVICE FEE Free ▪ Unlimited transactions at NYCB ATMs ▪ Visa® check card ▪ Direct Deposit ▪ e-Statements Convenience ▪ Over 175 locations in NY and NJ ▪ Extended branch banking hours ▪ Online Banking and Bill Pay with NYCB Online For more information call 718-448-7272 or visit www.myNYCB.com Be sure to ask about our Student Statement Savings Account too! †For your online security, information will be verified by the Bank. Once the verification process is complete, your Free Online Banking & Free Bill Pay account will be activated and ready for you to use. No monthly services charges apply. A separate fee applies for optional services such as Money HQ. Please talk to a branch representative or ask for our fee schedule for more details. © New York Community Bank. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender many other people. Kotb also touched upon three things she learned along the way: stop wasting time and hold on to the things you love and get rid of those you don’t; how once you’ve survived a cross you have to bear, the words “You can’t scare me” take on a whole new meaning; and that “The way you spend your days is the way you spend your life,” and how by changing just one day leads to being able to change your life. She closed by telling those in the room, “I love the way you spend your days and your life.” After a standing ovation, Tiffany, a student at Henry Viscardi School, presented Kotb with an original piece of framed artwork that she had created in her art class. Other highlights included a speech by Max Gold, who graduated from Henry Viscardi School in 2009. Gold is pursuing a degree in law enforcement technology and spoke about the school being his second home as he began attending it at the age of 2. He spoke about his connections to the school’s staff and the amazing memories he and his friends made which included weekends in the Viscardi independent living house, Friday Night Recreation, wheelchair basketball and the senior luncheon — all made possible through the funds raised by the Reach for a Star luncheon. He also noted that without Viscardi’s adapted driver education program, “I wouldn’t be where I am today …. I’m unstoppable.” After acknowledging the role his family has played in his personal success, Gold’s final words brought the guests to their feet. “Henry Viscardi School pushed me, guided me, loved me, empowered me and helped me. It let me become the hero of my own story. Henry Viscardi School told me, you’ve got this, Max.” A creative, energetic video, featuring two Henry Viscardi School high school students in a take-off of the fourth hour of “Today” with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee, left guests on a high and “happy” note. The video included segments about two 2014 graduates of the school who now attend Hofstra University and class of 1982 salutatorian and Queens native Robert Pipia, who was appointed a District Court judge in Nassau County in January. Proceeds from the annual Reach for a Star luncheon support after-school activities, clubs, adapted sports, recreation and weekend overnights that give Henry Viscardi School students the opportunity to socialize with their friends and make school days memories — just like other kids. Recent luncheon special guests have included the “Angels of Kinky Boots” from the Broadway hit musical “Kinky Boots,” and 2012 “American Idol” finalist Elise Testone. The Henry Viscardi School serves children (pre-K through age 21) with severe physical disabilities who often require lifesustaining medical treatment throughout the day. Its specialized, accessible educational setting provides a fully enriched academic program, a variety of therapies, assistive technology and medical supports to students who may otherwise need to receive instruction in their homes or a hospital. Learn more at viscardicenter.org. (877) 786-6560 • myNYCB.com 1Student Banking is available for personal accounts only and is free of maintenance and activity fees. 2Student Checking Accounts with a Visa® check card are automatically enrolled in the Even >more Rewards Program. For complete terms and conditions speak with a branch representative. Restrictions apply. Bank is not responsible for typographical errors. ©2015 New York Community Bank- Member FDIC Equal Opportunity Lender Hoda Kotb and Tiffany with artwork. Hoda Kotb and Keanu
QC04302015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above