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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Press Release
Gourmet Gala Benefits People with Developmental Disabilities
Agency Names New Building
WHITE PLAINS, NY—October 22, 2007— On October 17, Westchester Arc’s annual gourmet gala, “A Matter of Taste 4,” served up delicacies from the area’s finest restaurants (see complete list below) to benefit people with developmental disabilities. The event also recognized outstanding contributions to community inclusion. Held at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York, the event attracted more than 250 guests and raised approximately $125,000. Attendees sampled seared sea scallops with butternut squash risotto, roast figs with gorgonzola, creamy polenta with pheasant ragout and more. The dishes were complemented by over 30 international wines and specialty beers.
All food, wine and culinary talent were donated by local entrepreneurs committed to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities lead lives characterized by dignity and opportunity. Individuals with disabilities contributed to the evening’s success with works of arts and by volunteering as greeters, wait staff and raffle ticket sellers.
During a brief program, Westchester Arc Executive Director Ric Swierat described the significance of the agency’s Gateway to the Community, which is scheduled to open in Hawthorne, New York, early next year. Explaining that the center will be more than “bricks and mortar,” he called it “a metaphor for the mission of Westchester Arc. It represents opportunities, dreams, choices, enriched lives, self-expression and advocacy for full community involvement.”
It was then announced that the building will be named The Gleeson-Israel Center in recognition of the generosity of Justin Israel and Gerard Gleeson. It was a bequest by Mr. Gleeson that made the land purchase possible. In addition, Mr. Israel was honored with a lifetime achievement award recognizing over 50 years of commitment to the agency and ongoing fundraising leadership.
Quoting poet Carl Sandburg, Israel told the crowd, “‘Nothing happens unless first we dream.’ What started with a handful of parents meeting in an unheated basement has become a wonderful agency that fulfills the dreams of people with disabilities and their families. I am proud to be a part of Westchester Arc and am very thankful for this honor.”
Al Donnellan, a founding partner of the law firm of DelBello, Donnellan, Weingarten, Wise & Wiederkehr, LLP, received the agency’s community leader award. Mr. Donnellan has been involved in some of the most complex real estate projects in Westchester and has been instrumental in the sale of Westchester Arc’s 121 Westmoreland Avenue offices.
Westchester County Legislator Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh) commemorated the occasion with a proclamation declaring October 17 "Justin Israel and Al Donnellan Day.”
Former New York State Senator Nick Spano, who served as the event’s honorary chairman, was also recognized. Assemblyman Michael Spano (D-Yonkers) accepted the award on his brother’s behalf. “Westchester Arc is an agency that works very hard to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities,” he said. “My brother and I wish them much luck, now and in the future.”
A silent auction offered excursions to Hawaii, Cancun and Key West, a Colorado ski vacation, a hot air balloon ride and much more.
Established over 55 years ago, Westchester Arc is the largest agency in the county serving children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. The agency is funded through both public and private means.
Participating Restaurants
An American Bistro
Caperberry Events
Club Chefs of Westchester
Dinner in Hand
Eastchester Fish Gourmet
Emily Shaw’s Inn at Poundridge
Great American Barbeque
Harrys of Hartsdale
Lexington Square Cafe
MacMenamin's Grill & ChefWorks
Meritage Restaurant
RG Catering
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Sam's of Gedney Way
Sunset Grille
Tango Grill
Tramonto Restaurant
Underhill's Crossing
Westchester Country Club
Zuppa Restaurant and Lounge
Desserts
Longford's Own Made Ice Cream
Magnificent Edibles
Beverages
The Grape Exchange
Cafe Ala Carte
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Sparkling Water Distributors
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