MANORVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has been named "Honoree of the Year '09" by the Independent Group Home Living Foundation (IGHL; www.ighl.org), a Manorville, New York-based not-for-profit organization providing programs, services and support for people with developmental disabilities in New York State.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090127/NY62695 )

According to Walter W. Stockton, IGHL's Chief Executive Officer, "Governor Palin is a devoted public servant and mother who has set a fine example on the national stage for many families having children with developmental disabilities. As a mother with a Down Syndrome child, Governor Palin has become an inspirational symbol to our IGHL families who are coping with their own children's special needs. These families look to leaders such as Governor Palin for compassionate attention to the educational and therapeutic programs that are improving their own youngsters' chances for learning. We at IGHL applaud the Governor for her concern for children with disabilities."

IGHL, one of New York State's largest not-for-profit organizations, has more than 5,000 children, adults, and their families benefitting from a wide range of programs, services and support including state-of-the art facilities and over 75 innovative training and educational programs for children and adults with disabilities.

The award will be presented at the organization's 30th anniversary of service which will be celebrated at its annual fundraising gala to be held on May 14, 2009 on Long Island. The high-profile gala will be attended by parents and family members, as well as by federal, state and local government officials and leaders of corporations who are all committed to helping people with developmental disabilities lead fuller and richer lives. "The annual event is one of the largest affairs on Long Island," stated IGHL's Stockton.

Contact: Frank Lombardi, Assistant to the CEO, 631-878-8900 ext. 102, e-mail - flombardi@ighl.org

SOURCE Independent Group Home Living Foundation