The Arc Westchester Foundation Hosted 17th Annual “A Matter of Taste”
Over a Half a Million Dollars raised to Benefit People with Developmental Disabilities
Signature food and wine fundraising event celebrates banner year after pandemic hiatus
Westchester County, N.Y. (April 20, 2023) – The Arc Westchester Foundation, which raises public awareness and financial resources for The Arc Westchester’s programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families, today announced that its 17th annual “A Matter of Taste” fundraiser, which took place on Wednesday, April 19, at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, raised over $550,000 to benefit people with developmental disabilities. The event, which is back in-person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, was emceed by actor Kevin Kilner and featured signature cuisine prepared by the finest chefs in the area, accompanied by a wide assortment of fine wines, specialty cocktails and craft beers.
“The funds raised at A Matter of Taste are critical for ensuring people with developmental disabilities have access to a suite of innovative services and enjoy a high quality of life,” said Nancy Patota, Executive Director, The Arc Westchester Foundation. “We are grateful to the generous sponsors and donors for their support of this event, and to the 23 chefs and dessert connoisseurs, along with 5 beverage sponsors, who treated our guests to an evening of fine food paired with fine wine and craft beer.”
This year’s event honored the Masket Family with the Family Partner Award and Zaro’s Family Bakery with the Corporate Partner Award.
The Masket Family’s involvement with The Arc Westchester began in 2011, when Alex, who is autistic, moved into a group home. Focusing on long-term financial stability for the organization, Steve and Elaine have been exemplary ambassadors, donors, and fundraisers. In 2011, Elaine forged a pivotal and ongoing connection with The Taft Foundation, which has resulted in millions of dollars donated towards cutting edge programs. Elaine and Steve have also devoted themselves to A Matter of Taste, and with their friends, family, and colleagues, have taken the event to a whole new level.
With 11 stores in the most competitive market in the world, Zaro’s Family Bakery is a household name in the New York Metropolitan area, known for its unsurpassed quality of baked goods including the iconic black & white cookie, challah bread, and rugulah. The fourth-generation of this family-owned and operated business, Zaro brothers Michael, Brian, and Scott, are also committed to giving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to be contributing members of the work force. Their enlightened, inclusionary hiring practices are changing the lives of all their employees, while inspiring other businesses to provide career opportunities for individuals supported by The Arc Westchester. Currently, six individuals are working at Zaro’s with plans to add more.
Below is a list of participating restaurants and beverage sponsors.
Main Fare:
808 Bistro
Bacione
Bellacosa Wine & Tapas Bar
Chopt Creative Salade Company
Chutney Masala
Clock Tower Grill
Culinary Tech Center
Eastchester Fish Gourmet
Heritage 147
Mima Vinoteca Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Rive Bistro
Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen
Sambal
Sam’s of Gedney Way
Texas de Brazil
The Great American BBQ Company
Rye Rye Roadhouse
Tramonto Restaurant
Wegmans Food Markets
Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge
Desserts:
Chocolations
Glen Island Harbour Club
Zaro’s Family Bakery
Beverages:
Broken Bow Brewery
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Toma Artisanal Bloody Mary
To learn more about the impact of The Arc Westchester Foundation, and the suite of innovative programs and services The Arc Westchester offers to support people with developmental disabilities, visit: ArcWestchester.org.
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About The Arc Westchester Foundation
The Arc Westchester Foundation’s mission is to increase public awareness and to raise financial support from the community, generating income through long-term investments, and making contributions to support services for people with developmental disabilities served by The Arc Westchester. Visit www.arcwestchester.org.
The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.
