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Brian Conybeare (center), News 12 Westchester and Event Emcee, took a moment to pose with and thank all the restaurant chefs for their contribution to the Foundation’s Matter of Taste Benefit.

A Matter of Taste
Rocks the Mansion

Gourmet Gala Nets Over $125,000

Arc of Westchester Foundation’s A Matter of Taste was a huge success! The event offered delicacies from the area’s finest restaurants accompanied by a fine selection of wine, beer and spirits. The gourmet gala was hosted by the Arc of Westchester Foundation and took place at the historic CV Rich Mansion in White Plains on Wednesday, October 12, 2011.

Over 250 guests roamed throughout the rooms of the mansion during the tasting. The local entrepreneurs donated all food, beverages and culinary talent. (see complete list) Participants were able to try their luck at finding the winning key to unlock a Treasure Chest that was filled with over 30 prizes.

 

From left: Adrienne Arkontaky, event co-chair; Brian Conybeare, News 12 Westchester and event emcee; and Sheryl Frishman, Arc of Westchester President.

News 12 Westchester’s Brian Conybeare served as the event program’s emcee. He welcomed guests and introduced a video “Silent Expressions,” a segment that aired in April about Alex Masket, a young artist with autism. One of Alex’s paintings was sold for $2,000 to a bidder during the Live Auction. A “Fund a Need” auction item raised more than $13,000 for a program to teach social skills to teenagers with autism who are entering the adult world of employment.

From left: Larry McNaughton, Arc of Westchester Foundation President; Anne Sweazey, Arc of Westchester Foundation Executive Director; Brian Conybeare and Ric Swierat, Arc of Westchester Executive Director.

Anne Sweazey, Arc of Westchester Foundation Executive Director, spoke to News 12 Westchester about how important our supporters are to the agency during this time of funding cuts.

Everyone showed up for A Matter of Taste! From left: Tim Idoni, Westchester County Clerk; Tom Abinanti, NY State Assemblyman; William Ryan, County Legislator; Kevin Plunkett, Deputy County Executive; Andrea Stewart Cousins, New York State Senator; Richard P. Swierat, Arc of Westchester Executive Director; Sheryl Frishman, Arc of Westchester President and Robert Paladino, Arc of Westchester Foundation Board Director.

Michael Greenebaum, Arc of Westchester program participant, told Brian Conybeare that he is one of News 12 Westchester's biggest fans!

David Pellon, New York Hospitality Group, thanked all the participanting restaurants and beverage providers. He extended special thanks to Arc of Westchester's Michael Greenebaum for his many years assisting the wait staff at this event.

"Because people stepped forward to pledge their support during the auction, we can now offer an after-school social skills group to teenagers with autism and other developmental disabilities. This group will help these young adults to improve their communications skills, to learn about a workplace environment and how to work as part of a team. These skills are necessary as they take their place in the adult world of work. During this time, when Arc of Westchester has experienced such severe cutbacks in government funding, we would not have been able to offer this program without these generous people", said Anne Sweazey, Arc of Westchester Foundation Executive Director.

The Arc of Westchester Foundation was proud to honor the Stevelman Family of South Salem, NY with the Family Partner Award. Paul Stevelman holds several postions with Arc of Westchester, including membership on the board of directors.

The foundation also honored The Royal Bank of Scotland with the Community Partner Award. Their partnership has supported many worthy causes in the community, including Arc of Westchester programs.

We are grateful for the hard work of the event committee and Adrienne J. Arkontaky, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP, and Peter Herrero, Jr., president and owner of the New York Hospitality Group, who co-chaired this successful event.

Paul Stevelman delivered a moving acceptance speech and thanked Arc of Westchester for the services they have provided to his family.

Bob McKillip from The Royal Bank of Scotland accepted a beautiful piece of art created by an individual in Arc of Westchester's art program.

A painting by Alex Masket, a young artist with autism and an Arc of Westchester resident, was sold for $2,000 during the Live Auction. Larry McNaughton, Arc of Westchester Foundation President (left) and Richard Swierat, Arc of Westchester Executive Director, showed it off to the crowd.

Sam’s of Gedney Way in White Plains served up one of the restaurant’s signature pizza and pasta dishes for guests.

Vivian Yaker was the first to pick the winning key that unlocked a treasure chest filled with prizes. She is going to a New York Ranger Game!

Brian Mehra helped Fran Higgins pull the winning raffle ticket. Prizes included an iPad, a Kindle and an iHome.

Brian Conybeare welcomed guests and thanked them for their support.		Beth Beck was feeling lucky and tried several keys at the treasure chest.
Alex Masket, second from right, with his family. He donated a piece of art for the live auction.		A handshake over a great beer served by Captain Lawrence Brewery located in Pleasantville.
Joanna Malone with the chefs from Caperberry Events at the CV Rich Mansion.		Patsy and Lois Ginese enjoyed a wonderful night out together.
Fran Higgins, Arc of Westchester Foundation Assistant Executive Director, presented Underhill's Crossing with framed expression of thanks.		Cory Scott Whittier and Emily Gifford enjoyed catching up over a glass of wine provided by W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd. and D. Bertoline & Sons.
Harrys of Hartdale served up one of their signature recipes.		Underhill's Crossing in Bronxville created a unique appetizer.
Mary Lou Golino and Carol Libertino come every year to A Matter of Taste and thought this event was perfect.		Adrienne Arkontaky, Gayle Cratty and Anne Majsak enjoyed touring the many rooms in the mansion.
Bob Paladino raised the bar as the event's auctioneer		Arc of Westchester's Andrea Defreitas modeled an Italian scarf and handbag.