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
Crisis Intervention:
914.949.8200

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Gourmet Gala Benefits People with Developmental Disabilities

On October 7, Westchester Arc’s “A Matter of Taste 6” 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’s executive director.

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.”

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.

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 6

Participating Restaurants

An American Bistro
Club Chefs of Westchester
Emma’s Ale House
Great American Barbeque
Harrys of Hartsdale
Haven
Lexington Square Café
Longford’s Own Made Ice Cream
Mima Vinoteca
Pour Café and Wine Bar
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Sam’s of Gedney Way
Tramonto Restaurant
Underhills Crossing
Westchester Country Club
Zuppa


Beverages

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Café A La Carte
The Grape Exchange