Annual fundraiser celebrated The Arc Westchester’s 70th anniversary; proceeds to benefit services for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. (PRWEB) OCTOBER 29, 2019

The Arc Westchester Foundation, which raises public awareness and financial resources for The Arc Westchester’s programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, is pleased to announce that its 16th annual “A Matter of Taste” fundraiser was the largest in the Foundation’s history. More than 400 supporters attended the event, which took place on Tuesday, October 22 at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. Nearly $440,000 was raised at this year’s event.

The evening featured delicious cuisine prepared by some of Westchester County’s finest chefs, accompanied by an assortment of fine wines, as well as a silent auction and IMPACT Gift/paddle raise. More than 20 culinary and beverage participants served attendees at this year’s event. For a full list, visit https://www.arcwestchester.org/amatteroftaste/restaurants-2/.

This year’s “A Matter of Taste” celebrated The Arc Westchester’s 70th anniversary of providing innovative programs and supports to individuals with I/DD and their families. During his remarks, Ruedi Laager, president of The Arc Westchester Foundation, honored the founding families who paved the way for the organization to grow and expand throughout its history.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants,” he said. “They laid the foundation for everything that we do today, and we would not be able to support 2,000 individuals every day without all the hard work they put forth 70 years ago.”

The evening featured two awards of recognition: the Family Partner Award and the Corporate Partner Award.

The Family Partner Award was bestowed upon The Kurzer Family. Over the years, The Kurzer Family has created many points of contact with The Arc Westchester. Diane and Alan, along with his company Tradition Energy, are generous supporters of The Arc Westchester Foundation, and their daughter Stephanie has worked in The Arc Westchester’s Children School for many summers. Most importantly, Diane has served as a registered nurse for the organization’s Residential Department for more than 20 years, serving as a liaison between doctors, staff and family, as well as training staff.

“I feel very attached to the residents and staff members of the homes that I work with,” she said. “It’s important to find something in common with those that we support, whether a love of animals or music, as a way to bond with them. I am proud to work for The Arc Westchester and my family is truly honored by this recognition.”

The evening’s second honoree was Daniel Molino from Grassy Sprain Longterm Care, Inc., who received the Corporate Partner Award for more than his two-decade long partnership with The Arc Westchester. Daniel has been actively engaged with the organization for 24 years, with his company providing all of the medications needed for individuals living in The Arc Westchester’s residences. Fueled by his passion for this special population, he designed innovative blister packaging for daily medications, creating a system that is convenient, accurate and safe.

“I am humbled by this honor and thrilled to be here tonight on behalf of all of us at Grassy Sprain Longterm Care, Inc.,” he said. “My interactions with organizations like The Arc Westchester, who provide care and support for individuals with special needs and their families, is the most rewarding work of my pharmacy career.”

For more information on The Arc Westchester, visit http://www.arcwestchester.org.

About The Arc Westchester Foundation
The Arc Westchester Foundation’s mission is to increase public awareness and to raise financial support from the community, generating income through long-term investments, and making contributions to support services for people with developmental disabilities served by The Arc Westchester. Visit http://www.arcwestchester.org.

The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.