ST. JAMES -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will receive an award on Long Island Sunday from a New York group that advocates for people with developmental disabilities, a day after she is scheduled to appear in Auburn as part of the city's Founder's Day celebration.

The Independent Group Home Living Foundation says the former Republican vice presidential candidate will be honored next weekend on Long Island.

A spokesman for the governor did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment on Monday.

The organization says it is honoring Palin for her support of families who have children with special needs.

Palin herself has a special-needs child, a son with Down syndrome.

The fundraising gala on Sunday also marks the organization's 30th anniversary. IGHL serves more than 5,000 children, adults and their families.

Palin will be taking part in Founder's Day festivities on Saturday in Auburn, as the city celebrates the 50th annivesary of Alaskan statehood because of Auburn native William Seward's connection to the state. Seward organized the purchase of the land that became the state when he was U.S. secretary of state for President Abraham Lincoln.

Palin will be a guest speaker at a noon ceremony in front of Auburn's city hall following a morning parade. In the afternoon, she will be a guest of honor at a fundraising event for the Seward House.