Pro-Mark Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer dedicated exclusively to the design, production, and distribution of drumsticks, mallets, and percussion accessories has joined forces with the celebrated non-profit organization DAD (Drums and Disabilities). The DAD Program helps Autistic and special needs children develop retention, coordination, self esteem, fine motor skill, and physical and cognitive with it’s Groundbreaking Drum Therapy techniques. In a joint statement, Pro-Mark’s Director of Sales Worldwide said, “Through the DAD Program, Pat Gesualdo has been working diligently for years to raise public awareness as to the benefits of playing drums and the positive affects it has on people with learning disabilities. We are very happy to be a part of his efforts going forward and to welcome him to our family of product endorsers!” Pat Gesualdo noted, “The DAD Program is extremely grateful to have Pro-Mark’s support. All of the DAD Program drum therapists throughout the world use a wide variety of the high quality products that Pro-Mark is known for. This enables us to integrate our program even more effectively.”

About Pro-Mark

Founded in 1957 by professional drummer and drum teacher Herb Brochstein, Houston-based Pro-Mark has grown to become one of the world leaders in drumsticks, mallets and percussion accessories.  The company has factories in both Houston, TX and Kobe, Japan, and ships to over 120 countries around the world.   

About The DAD Program 

DAD (Drums and Disabilities) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that helps children and adults with Autism, Dyslexia, ADD, Tourette's, Aspberger’s, ADHD, OCD, ODD, and other disabilities, develop retention, coordination, self-esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning. The DAD Program is featured in Schools Systems, Hospitals, and Community Centers throughout the world.

DAD is certified by the New Jersey State Department of Education as an official teacher-training  program. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg helped Drum Virtuoso Pat Gesualdo launch segments of his DAD Program as a special education Pilot Program, in several New York City schools and communities in 2004. Now, Psychologists, Special Education Teachers, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Behavioral Therapists in the U.S., Bosnia, London, South Africa, New Zealand, Italy, Slovenia, and other countries, use the DAD Program to help special needs children and adults develop retention, coordination, self esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning.

Numerous Celebrities, Sports Stars, Community Leaders, and Major Corporations have joined forces with the DAD Program. Some include Senator Anthony Bucco, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Administration, TD Bank, Pepsi-Cola, the WWE, the NY Giants, the NJ Nets, Borders Books, the Morris County Park Police, Hasbro Toys, The New Jersey Department of Education, Pro-Mark Drumsticks, Zildjian Cymbals, Modern Drummer Magazine, Live Nation, and Sony Music Entertainment, among others.  

“We need the DAD program to help children with disabilities,” said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as he wished DAD Program Founder/CEO Pat Gesualdo the best of luck, as the two spoke on a major radio station. “It is absolutely amazing, the kids don’t want to leave school until they’ve had the DAD Program,” says school Principal Alexis, from one of the many schools where DAD is featured. Pat Gesualdo was invited to the White House to meet President George W. Bush, in an effort to help expand his DAD Program to wounded troops in Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and in Veterans Administration facilities throughout the United States. He was also invited by President Barack Obama’s administration to take part In an official Obama Administration event, to help expand the DAD Program. The WWE, and the NY Giants have also made a donation to the New York City Schools, on behalf of the DAD program. Various WWE and NY Giants Superstars, and several Politicians joined DAD Founder Pat Gesualdo at the Meadowlands Continental Airlines Arena, at a live televised WWE event, to announce the DAD Program, and present the donation to New York City School Officials. The New Jersey Nets have also teamed up with Pat Gesualdo and his DAD Program, and held a very special event for Bergen County special needs children at the Meadowlands Izod Arena. Pat Gesualdo writes an official DAD Program Drum Therapy column exclusively at Modern Drummer.com. DAD/Pat Gesualdo have been featured in major media interviews, including WABC, the New York Post, CNN, Parents Magazine, Fox Television Network, the Star Ledger, the Herald News, MTV, USA Today, the Daily Record, VH-1, Milan TV, the Neighbor News, the News Tribune, the WOR Radio Network, the Bergen Record, Wayne Today, Drum Magazine, DrumHead Magazine, Modern Drummer Magazine, NEA Teacher’s magazine, and Clear Channel Radio Networks, among other major media.

Official DAD Program/Pat Gesualdo Websites:

http://www.dadprogram.org

http://www.myspace.com/patgesualdo