Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
For more information contact:
Mellissa Lang
Director of Marketing and Public Affairs
phone: 914.949.9300,
ext. 4618
fax: 914.997.2985
or 914.428.0322
mlang@westchesterarc.org
Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org
24-hour
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914.949.8200
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Gourmet Gala Benefits People with Developmental Disabilities
HAWTHORNE, NEW YORK —October 24, 2008 — On October 21, Westchester Arc’s “A Matter of Taste 5” served up delicacies from the area’s finest restaurants (see list below) accompanied by over 30 international wines. The gourmet gala was hosted by the Westchester Arc Foundation at the Westchester Country Club in Rye.
“Tonight, we come together as a community in support of children and adults with developmental disabilities and to recognize the outstanding contributions to their inclusion in community life,” remarked Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director.
Fran Porcaro, assistant executive director of educational services at Westchester Arc, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. For over 40 years, Ms. Porcaro has been on the frontline of those advocating for social change. Her efforts have resulted in an ever-increasing array of services for children with developmental disabilities and expanded partnership with community pre-schools—enabling children with disabilities to learn and play alongside their typically developing peers.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said an emotional Porcaro. “Over the last 40 years, we have seen many changes. Services for pre-school children are growing. Children with special needs are more included in mainstream education. But what hasn’t changed is the knowledge and innovation of Westchester Arc’s teachers, social workers, therapists and support staff—who work tirelessly to help every child achieve their true potential. I am proud to be a part of the Westchester Arc family and there is nothing I would change about the last 40 years.”
The Greenebaum/Jakes/Schwartz Family were honored with a Family Partnership Award for their longtime support of Westchester Arc. Michael Greenebaum is currently employed at Neiman Marcus’ Zodiac Restaurant through the agency’s supported employment program. With the help of Westchester Arc, he has become an independent, productive member of the community, while his family have remained there for him—and others with developmental disabilities—every step of the way.
“We are all very proud of Michael,” commented Dr. Ellen Greenebaum. “With the commitment of Westchester Arc, and the support of our parents and family, my brother has achieved his dreams and reached heights many never thought possible.”
Chefs enthusiastically prepared haute cuisine, including lamb shank, cavatelli with duck ragout, chili aioli and sweet corn polenta. “We wanted to offer guests some of our most popular dishes,” said Kathy, a chef at Great American BBQ. “Westchester Arc’s cause is one that is near and dear to our heart, and we are happy to be here for our third year.”
Adrienne J. Arkontaky, Esq., an attorney at Littman Krooks LLP, and Peter Herrero, Jr., president and owner of the New York Hospitality Group, co-chaired the event.
Westchester Arc is the oldest and largest agency in the county serving children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. The agency has long been committed to social inclusion because of the benefits to the entire community.
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A Matter of Taste 5
Participating Restaurants
An American Bistro
Caperberry Events
Club Chefs of Westchester
Great American Barbeque
Harry’s of Hartsdale
Lexington Square Café
Longford’s Own Made Ice Cream
MacMenamin’s Grill
Magnificent Edibles
Mima Vinoteca
Oporto
RG Catering
Suzanne’s Sweets
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Sam’s of Gedney Way
Tramonto Restaurant
Underhills Crossing
Westchester Country Club
Beverages
The Grape Exchange
Café Alla Carte