The Arc Westchester Foundation Names Rudolf Laager Board President
Larchmont resident has personal ties to the organization’s work
Westchester County, N.Y. (February 26, 2019) – The Arc Westchester Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing public awareness and raising financial resources to support The Arc Westchester’s programs and services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce that longtime supporter Rudolf (Ruedi) Laager has been named board president. The Laager Family have been active members of The Arc Westchester since their son Danny, who has Down syndrome, received Early Intervention services through the organization’s Children’s School for Early Development.
“Ruedi is a steadfast supporter of our mission, and we are thrilled that he has extended his involvement by stepping into the board president role,” said Nancy Patota, executive director of The Arc Westchester Foundation.
As an entrepreneur, Laager formed Lukada International LLC in 2002 before acquiring a medical nutrition company manufacturing shaped purees geared at people with swallowing disabilities in the hospital and nursing home market. He then sold the company to the Hormel Corporation several years later. Today Lukada LLC is engaged with non-profit organization management and the retail sector. Previously he held a variety of executive positions in the hotel and hospitality industry. Laager earned a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel management from the Hotel School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
In 2007, Laager and his wife Alix, launched a project to assist the Kingdom of Bhutan to introduce education for children with disabilities into their school system. Subsequently, they founded and currently lead the US Special Education Advisory Committee to Bhutan, which provides technical support and advice under the umbrella of The Bhutan Foundation in Washington, D.C. Laager is also very active on several non-profit boards addressing pressing issues for minorities around the globe.
“I have spent my life dedicated to helping those who need it most, and I am thrilled to be able to give back in a new way to an organization that has done so much for my family,” said Laager. “I look forward to working with Nancy and the rest of the board in furthering our work and dedication to those we support.”
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.
