Saint James - The Independent Group Home Living (IGHL) Program celebrated their 30th anniversary at Flowerfield in St. James on Sunday, June 7, hosting honoree Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a national advocate for those with special needs and their families.

IGHL began in the early 1970s after media reports exposed the degrading and inhumane treatment of developmentally disabled residents at the Staten Island facility Willowbrook Hospital. Founders Walter Stockton and Konrad "Konnie" Kuhn came together with an eye toward reforming mental disability care by promoting independence and necessary life skills, "so they can reach their full potential as human beings and contributing members of their community," as stated in IGHL's mission statement.

Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason performed at the event. Photo by Michele Steudte

Over the last 30 years, IGHL and their staff and affiliates have revolutionized the treatment methods for the developmentally disabled by working with the whole person and their families as well. In three decades, IGHL has sprouted from its humble beginnings into a national leader in specialized care, with a staff of over 1,500 employees maintaining 75 facilities and group homes.

Nearly 1,000 supporters joined IGHL in the ballroom, reception hall and tented seating area outside for the anniversary gala and an opportunity to hear from Governor Palin and renowned guitarist-singer-songwriter Dave Mason.

After a brief meet-and-greet walk through the venue, Palin addressed the crowd as both a politician concerned with special needs issues and as the mother of a young child with Down syndrome, one-year-old Trig. "I just so admire you for the efforts you've put forth," Palin asserted, placing IGHL and its members in the same genus as "those who fought so hard for equality and human rights," by emphasizing "how important it is to respect all human beings."

"There will be a special place in heaven for you Walter and Konnie and the rest of the board of IGHL," Palin insisted, stating that she was "Humbled that you would honor us," as her accomplishments in the area of dependent care admittedly pale in comparison with the efforts of IGHL. "What God has shown us through Trig is that every single life has a purpose," she explained, to resounding applause.

"Just because our ticket placed second, second out of two, you still have an advocate for the cause," Palin assured, "I may be thousands of miles away in Alaska, but you still have an advocate."

As the mother of a child with special needs, Palin admitted that "sometimes we do need a helping hand." The group homes operated by IGHL can provide families with some assistance and even a temporary break from the life-long struggle. "When you started this 30 years ago you were pioneers," Palin commended, "You offer dignity and independence."

Sean Hannity, a FOX News commentator and Long Island native, also stopped by the event and was welcomed as an impromptu speaker. Hannity used the opportunity to speak about the sanctity of life and the need to promote pro-life policies, politicizing an event that had strived to remain non-partisan for much of the evening.

When Hannity had finished, Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of the group Traffic, Dave Mason performed hits from his extensive career, including songs from his latest solo album, released last October.

Palin left soon after her address, though IGHL representatives stated that a special high-donor cocktail hour with the governor brought in an additional $41,000 for the program, on top of the door price and generous donations from the throngs of supporters that helped celebrate 30 years of reinventing dependent care.