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Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org
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Gourmet Gala Raised Over $90,000
On October 7, Westchester Arc’s A Matter of Taste 6 served up delicacies from the area’s finest restaurants (see attached list) accompanied by over 30 international wines. The gourmet gala was attended by over 200 guests and was hosted by the Westchester Arc Foundation at the Westchester Country Club in Rye.
One of the agency’s most unqiue fundraisers, A Matter of Taste provided guests with a “full-flavored” experience, bringing together the area’s top-rated restaurants for an evening of gourmet food and good will.
Live jazz and piano music contributed to the evening’s elegance. The event also raised funds from donations to a silent auction, raffle and in an effort to go paperless, a digital journal. (click here to view)
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| Anne Sweazey, Westchester Arc foundation executive director welcomed honorees Jim Watkins, shown center, and Ric Swierat to the gala. |
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| Ric Swierat was presented with custom-made artwork created by a group of individuals with developmental disabilities in honor of his continued commitment and dedication to Westchester Arc . |
Ric Swierat, executive director of Westchester Arc, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. For 25 years, Ric has been advocating for social change. His efforts have resulted in an innovative array of services for children with developmental disabilities and community partnerships. “I am so honored to receive this award,” said an emotional Swierat. “Over the last 25 years, we have seen so many changes. I am proud to be a part of the Westchester Arc family, and want to thank our community for partnering with us in so many ways that help to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities.”
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| Jim Watkins, anchor for the WB-11 News at Ten, delivered a heart-felt acceptance speech on behalf of his family during the evening's program. |
The Watkins Family was honored with a Family Partnership Award for their longtime commitment to autism research, screening, and affordable care. Jim and Lauren reinforced how important it is to fight not just for their son but for every child with autism. “It forced us to rethink our lifestyle. We don’t know what causes autism or whether they will develop a magic pill to cure it – others are working on that. But no matter what, we want these kids to have educations that will allow them to live as normal lives as possible,” said Jim Watkins.
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| From left, Susan Brandt, NYSARC assistant executive director of public information and special projects; Marc Brandt, NYSARC executive director; Kim Spahn, Westchester Arc associate executive director, and Fran Higgins, Westchester Arc Foundation assistant executive director. |
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| Ric Swierat celebrated the evening with family members and colleagues. |
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Enjoying the evening are from left, Suzanne Mehra; Mohan Mehra, former Westchester Arc president and current foundation board member; Barbara Penella, and Anthony Assalone, Westchester Arc first vice president. Special thanks are extended to Adrienne J. Arkontaky, Esq., attorney at Littman Krooks LLP, and Peter Herrero, Jr., president and owner of the New York Hospitality Group, who co-chaired this successful event.
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Tibi Guzman, Westchester Arc assistant executive director of clinic and day habilitation services with her husband, Paul Sturr. |
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Janet DiFiore, Westchester County District Attorney chats with Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. |
Pasquale Ginese, Westchester Arc customer service council president enjoys the evening with his wife, Lois. |
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Chairs of the first Matter of Taste event, Joe Manzi (shown left) and Steve Palm with honoree, Ric Swierat. |
From left, Cynthia Ferguson, Matter of Taste silent auction chair; Tom Hughes, Westchester Arc associate executive director and his wife, Ellen. |
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Ric Swierat, and his wife Catherine, greet long-time friend Jim O'Toole at the event reception. |
Supporters and friends Richard Bird, president of White Plains design firm R. Bird and Company, Inc., and his wife, Virginia. |
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From left, Sheryl Frishman, Westchester Arc president with Mary Dantin, Westchester Arc board member. |