NEW YORK CITY — On May 7, The Center for Discovery (TCFD) will honor board chair Edward Sweeney at its upcoming Evening of Discovery Gala, to be held at Cipriani on 42nd St. 

The gala is the largest fundraising event of the year for TCFD, and the proceeds benefit the center’s organic farming and nutrition programs, the Animal Assisted Intervention and Education program, the Integrated Arts program (which includes recreation and music therapy), assistive technology and capital improvements across TCFD’s campuses.

Monies raised from the event also support the 1,700 staff members with benefits such as day care and summer camp for their children, ride-share transportation, plus tuition reimbursement and scholarships. 

An internationally recognized research and innovation organization, TCFD serves nearly 1,200 children and adults annually who have complex disabilities, medical frailties and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). 

Ed Sweeney is the senior vice president of external relations at National Retail Systems (NRS). He first worked as a trader and member of the New York Stock Exchange. Prior to joining NRS, he held positions at Bear Wagner, Lehman, Barclays and most recently Morgan Stanley.

Inspired by the care of a family member, Ed joined the board of TCFD in 2011 and in 2016 was elected chair. “For over 13 years, he has been a tireless advocate for children and adults with complex disabilities,” according to a news release.

The gala will feature cocktails, a formal dinner, entertainment and live and silent auctions. The co-chairs are Monica Belag Forman, Terry Manzione, Elizabeth Bracco Quinn, Maura Robinson and Emily Gerson Saines. 

For more information about the event, visit www.thecenterfordiscovery.org/event/eveningofdiscovery.