Monday was proclaimed "Geraldo Rivera Day" throughout the entire county by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
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Rivera was given a hat and certificate from his alma mater West Babylon High School. After the ceremony, people played in the Life WORC's 36th annual Geraldo Rivera Golf Classic.
The event benefits a non-profit organization that provides support and training for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.
"No more warehousing of humanity," Rivera said. "No more shutting people away. Now it's embracing, celebrating and moving forward."
Rivera's groundbreaking reporting back in 1972 on the horrific rampant abuse and neglect of people who were disabled at the Willowbrook State School on Staten Island. Rivera's stories led to its shutdown and changed forever the way America and Americans treat those who have disabilities.
'Willowbrook: 50 Years Later With Geraldo Rivera'
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Rivera also exposed problems at Letchwork Village in Rockland County.
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