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:

Regina Moore
Marketing Manager
phone: (914) 428-8330,
ext. 3117
fax: (914) 997-2985
or (914) 428-0322
rmoore@westchesterarc.org

Westchester Arc
Herbert Katzenberg Center
121 Westmoreland Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 949-9300
info@westchesterarc.org

24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
(914) 949-8200

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Press Release

Haute Cuisine Benefits People With
Developmental Disabilities

Gourmet Gala Attracts Hundreds

WHITE PLAINS , NY, November 3, 2005 — Nearly 300 guests sampled signature dishes from 17 of Westchester County’s top restaurants on November 2 at a Westchester Arc Foundation fundraiser benefiting people with developmental disabilities. Held at the Westchester Country Club, “A Matter of Taste 2” raised over $85,000, as people of goodwill nibbled on braised rib ravioli, mascarpone polenta and tables full of other gourmet offerings. Dishes were complemented by over 40 wines from the world over. Visits to a chocolate “dipping fountain” were another popular self-indulgence.
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. Westchester Arc is the largest agency in the county serving people of all ages who have disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.

Participating restaurants were An American Bistro, Tuckahoe; Club Chefs of Westchester, Mount Vernon; Eastchester Fish Gourmet, Scarsdale; Emilio Ristorante, Harrison; First Class Catering, White Plains; Frontiere Ristorante, Ardsley; Great American Barbeque, White Plains; Harry’s of Hartsdale; Longford’s Own-Made Ice Cream, Port Chester; MacMenamin’s Grill & ChefWorks, New Rochelle; RG Catering, Greenwich, Connecticut; Riveria Bakehouse, Ardsley; Solera on Hudson, Irvington; Underhill’s Crossing, Bronxville; Zuppa Restaurant and Lounge, Yonkers, Tramonto Restaurant, Hawthorne, and Chocolate Fountain Desserts, Port Chester. Zachy’s, Scarsdale, donated all wine.

The evening’s guests of honor, William and Esther Frishman of Scarsdale, were presented with artwork by an individual with disabilities. Dr. William Frishman, a world-renowned cardiologist, spoke of being influenced by the “Great Society” of the Sixties, a time when Medicaid was established and people with developmental disabilities benefited from the belief that “no one should be left behind.” “You in this room are helping to continue that quest,” he told attendees.

Dr. Frishman is the Rosenthal Professor and Chairman of Medicine at New York Medical College and Chief of Medicine at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla . An internationally recognized clinical cardiologist and researcher, he has published over 800 articles and co-authored 12 books. He currently edits the American Journal of Medicine and serves on the board of directors for the Westchester Institute for Human Development.

Esther Frishman, who has had a distinguished nursing career, is Vice President of the Westchester Medical Center Auxiliary & Friends and a board member of the Westchester Arc Foundation. She was formerly on the board of the Scarsdale League of Women Voters.

Silent auction favorites included a trip to Disney World, an iPod® nano, tickets to the Broadway production of The Odd Couple, a copy of Dean and Me, autographed by Jerry Lewis,and a weekend at Tarrytown’s Castle on the Hudson. Work by an artist with developmental disabilities was also on offer.
Waiters with developmental disabilities helped with the serving, and more than a few guests commented on their professionalism. Volunteers with developmental disabilities also helped to sell raffle tickets for a $1000 cash prize, flat screen tv and digital camera.

Established over 55 years ago, Westchester Arc has long advocated educational and social inclusion for people with disabilities. To signal a deepening desire by people with disabilities and their families for community involvement, Westchester Arc recently revised its name. As Westchester “Arc” (rather than “ARC”), the agency name symbolizes its work to bridge gaps and build supportive connections between people with developmental disabilities and the community. The agency is funded through both public and private means.

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