John’s Crazy Socks founder delivers keynote at ACLD awards event

Entrepreneur John Lee Cronin, an adult with Down syndrome who runs his own business, Thursday delivered the keynote address at a breakfast celebrating the contributions of employees with disabilities.

Cronin, of Huntington, discussed how he turned his dream into a reality by launching John’s Crazy Socks with his father, Mark Cronin. The online retail company sells colorful socks with designs ranging from holiday themes to pets, and donates a portion of its profits to groups that help individuals with disabilities.

John Cronin spoke during the 32nd Annual Employment Recognition Breakfast put on by Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities Inc. of Bethpage.

The event, held at Carlyle on the Green in Farmingdale, recognized Long Islanders with learning and developmental disabilities for their achievements on the job. It also honored employers who support them as partners with ACLD’s Vocational Program.

Honored employees included Cheryl Fuss of ShopRite, John Harvey of Bed Bath & Beyond, Lee Wolbrom of Omnicare, Lauren Pashcow of ACLD’s RewearAble Program and Donna Catapano of King Kullen.

Theresa Clarkin, an employee with Anthropologie, was presented ACLD’s Pace Award. Andrew Abbett, employed by the Town of Huntington, and Elizabeth Appell, an employee with Kramer Learning Center, were presented the Thomas Choma Longevity Award.

Bed Bath & Beyond of Farmingdale was named Employer of the Year, Omnicare was named Advocate of the Year, and Greenfield’s ShopRite received ACLD’s Business Leadership Award.

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