PATCHOGUE, NY – February 1, 2005 — St. Joseph’s College’s Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) will hold its annual fundraising event, “Dancing Through the Decades” on Thursday, February 10, 2005 from 8:00 PM to midnight in the college’s cafeteria located in O’Connor Hall. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, N.Y., Inc., a non-profit organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

This year’s event, which is being co-sponsored by the college’s Child Study Club, will include a fun-filled night with hours of dancing, refreshments, pictures, raffles, CD sales and much more. Come dressed as your favorite era and receive a free raffle ticket.

CEC is part of a national organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children with special needs. “Our club is a unique organization that advocates for children with special needs and life-threatening illnesses,” said Laura VanSchaick, president of CEC. “Our goal as an organization is to share with others the most up-to-date information on special education practices and skills, while helping as many children with exceptionalities as we can.”

Tickets for this event can be purchased for $10 general public and $9 SJC community with proper identification. Fee covers admittance and refreshments; raffles and CDs will be sold at an additional cost. For more information, please call Laura VanSchaick at (631) 484-9679 or email BSBROCKS@aol.com. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door at 8:00 p.m. This event is open to the public.

The College is located at 155 W. Roe Blvd. in Patchogue, and is accessible via the South Service Road of Sunrise Highway, just east of Exit 52 (Waverly Avenue).

About St. Joseph's College

St. Joseph's College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. With campuses located in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn and in Patchogue, Long Island, the College offers degrees in 21 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs through its School of Arts and Sciences and its School of Adult and Professional Education. Graduate degrees are also offered including an Executive MBA, a Master of Science in Management, and a Master of Arts in Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education.