On April 10th, The Arc Westchester Foundation hosted its annual gala, “A Matter of Taste,” at the beautiful 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. These funds will benefit the nearly 2,000 people with developmental disabilities we support on a daily basis. This year also marks the 75th Anniversary of The Arc Westchester, an organization started by families, for families, for life. To pay homage to all of these families we’ve supported over our 75 year history, this year’s event focused on the lived experiences of people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Meet Our Esteemed Honorees
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, The Family Partner Awardwas bestowed uponThe Glucksman Lieber Family, celebrating their long-standing dedicated service and generosity towards The Arc Westchester, and the first ever recipient of The Lifetime Advocate Award was presented to 95-year-old Ann Nehrbauer, A true pioneer and a generational powerhouse advocate for people with developmental disabilities.
Corporate Partner Award: NewYork Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health
NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavior Health has become one of The Arc Westchester’s strongest business partners. Through our over decade log partnership, participants of our Project SEARCH program have thrived and found meaningful employment following their graduation. This work-readiness program takes place in White Plains on NewYork-Presbyterian Behavioral Health Center campus, where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills.
Family Partner Award: Glucksman Lieber Family
Mark Glucksman and Roberta Lieber have three children: Samuel, Charles, and Benjamin. Their son Samuel, a 31-year-old with Down syndrome, has participated in The Arc Westchester’s Choices and Recreation program for over a decade and lives in an Arc Westchester residence. Mark and Roberta have been key contributors to the strategy and direction of the organization for over 20 years through board and committee leadership. 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.”
Lifetime Advocate Award: Ann Nehrbauer
Ann Nehrbauer 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. Because of his increasing medical needs, Ann’s disabled son spent 16 years as a resident at Willowbrook. Upon seeing the horrid situation there, she and her husband began a lifelong advocacy effort that ultimately helped bring about a historic civil rights lawsuit to close down Willowbrook and bring about positive change.
The heroic work of people like Ann Nehrbauer became a symbol for raising the conscience of the nation to support community integration and to establish high standards for humane conditions for all residential opportunities. After leaving Willowbrook, Ann’s son moved into an Arc Westchester residence and lived there for 44 years until his passing last December. Ann was and remains committed to the Arc Westchester and its programs. Wherever useful or needed, Ann’s advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities continues to the present day.
“Many Hands Make Light Work”
Hear from Ann Nehrbauer; we hope her words inspire you, and others, to support our advocacy efforts.
Highlights from A Matter of Taste – More Photos To Come!
THANK YOU to all who contributed to our very successful A Matter of Taste gala, including our attendees, sponsors, donors, restaurant & beverage partners, and our esteemed honorees!
