Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org
24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
(914) 949-8200
Información
en Español
Sign Up for News & Updates
Anglebrook Golf Club on a perfect September morning.
23rd Annual
MBIA Invitational
The 23rd annual MBIA Invitational raised $375,000 on September 17 for the
Westchester Arc Foundation and Special Olympics New York-Hudson Valley Region. Since the first MBIA Invitational in 1985, nearly $7 million has been raised for these two organizations.
 |
 |
| Golfers took off across the course and played all day at Mount Kisco Country Club. | |
 |
 |
| Tennis players at Mount Kisco just "loved" the event as well. | |
 |
 |
| Golfers at Whippoorwill Club took a break for foresome photos and refueled at the barbeque grill on the course. | |
The event drew a sell-out crowd, with over 400 participants hitting the links and tennis courts at Anglebrook Golf Club, Mount Kisco Country Club and Whippoorwill Club. Celebrities in attendance included sports legends Curly Neal, former Harlem Globetrotters star; Emerson Boozer, former running back for the New York Jets; and Cathy Turner and Bob Beamon, both multiple gold medalists. Jeremy Schaap, sportswriter and Emmy award-winning ESPN anchor, emceed the event's banquet.
A highlight of the evening was presentation of the 2007 Charles R. Kingsley Award to the Lombardozzi family of Mamaroneck for their tireless work to increase public awareness of the untapped potential of individuals with developmental disabilities. Joey Lombardozzi, with support from his mother Alice, has been actively involved with Special Olympics for over five years. When he’s not competing in track and field, basketball or swimming, Joey works full time for the Elmsford law firm of Pappalardo, Tombini and Wolfe through Westchester Arc’s supported employment program. Both Joey and Alice are great examples of focusing on ability, rather than disability.
 |
|
| Guests caught up with old friends at the cocktail reception held at Mount Kisco Country Club. | |
 |
|
| Emily Perl Kingsley presented the annual Charles R. Kingsley Award to the Lombardozzi family of Mamaroneck for their longtime activism on behalf of individuals with disabilities. | |
 |
 |
| Piper Joe Brady escorted guests to dinner under the banquet tent. | Self-advocates Patsy and Lois Ginese were thrilled to be part of the event. |
 |
 |
| Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director, greeted attendees and award-winners. | Gary Dunton, MBIA Chairman and CEO, thanked the guests for their continued support. |
Self-advocates Patsy and Lois Ginese were also recognized for shattering stereotypes associated with individuals having developmental disabilities. The Gineses, happily married for 20 years, were one of the first couples with developmental disabilities to marry in New York State—despite the misgivings of others. They live in their own apartment, have worked in the community and frequently encourage others to voice their own opinions.
“The MBIA Invitational is a very nice event and it is our pleasure to attend,” said Patsy. “Thank you to everyone at Westchester Arc who has helped Lois and I achieve what we have.”
“I really enjoy being here,” added Lois. “I’ve met some very interesting people tonight. Thank you to Westchester Arc for giving me a chance to advocate for others.”
 |
 |
| Jeremy Schaap, sportswriter and Emmy award-winning ESPN anchor, emceed the event's banquet. | Cathy Turner, multiple gold medal winner, enjoyed the evening with friends. |
 |
 |
| Dick Mann, MBIA Invitational committee member, invited Ralph Branca, former Brooklyn Dodger, to sing “God Bless America” prior to dinner. | Curly Neal, former Harlem Globetrotters star, entertained the crowd and shared some special tricks with dinner guests. |
 |
|
| From right, self-advocates Yaniv Gorodischer, Jason Kingsley and Raymond Frost learned some fancy basketball moves from Curly Neal. | |
|
|
 |
. |