Arc Westchester Foundation’s 18th Annual “A Matter of Taste”
The Arc Westchester Foundation, dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, hosted its annual gala, “A Matter of Taste,” on April 10th at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. This was the 18th year for this popular event, which brought together more than 20 area restaurants for a spectacular culinary evening for over 360 attendees. The event was a huge success, raising more than $450,000 for The Foundation. 2024 also marked the 75th Anniversary of The Arc Westchester.
The theme of the event focused on the lived experiences of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Attendees were moved by Mark Glucksman’s words about his son Sam, a program participant with The Arc Westchester. He stated, “there is no greater endorsement of any organization than to entrust to them the care and support of your child.”
This year The Arc Westchester Foundation honored three exceptional allies who have significantly contributed to The Arc Westchester’s mission. The Corporate Partner Award was presented to NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health. Through their partnership with The Arc Westchester and Project SEARCH, their program serves young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the OPWDD system, as well as students who are in their last year of high school who could benefit from personalized support through an intensive year of career development and internship experience.
The Family Partner Award was bestowed upon The Glucksman Lieber Family, celebrating their long-standing dedicated service and generosity towards The Arc Westchester.
The Lifetime Advocate Award was presented to Ann Nehrbauer, who is 95 years old, and was instrumental in the landmark lawsuit that ultimately led to the shuttering of Willowbrook State School, a facility in which people with developmental disabilities were subjected to poor treatment and inhumane living conditions for decades.
During this unforgettable evening of glamour and philanthropy, attendees enjoyed an excellent dining experience enriched by the extra layer of community engagement displayed by Westchester’s finest chefs. This was complimented by a selection of fine wines, specialty cocktails, and craft beers.
Longtime Arc Westchester Foundation board member Elaine Masket, who co-chaired the event with Peter Herrero, Jr., expressed excitement about The Arc Westchester’s 75th anniversary, stating, “75 years laser-focused on empowering thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities, in ways previously unimaginable. We started small, dreamed big, and have moved many mountains all along the way.”
For additional information, visit www.arcwestchester.org.