The Arc Westchester Foundation Raises $500,000 at A Matter of Taste Event
Celebrating Inclusion, Community, Partnership, and Culinary Excellence for the Benefit of People with Developmental Disabilities
[Hawthorne, NY] May 23, 2025 – The Arc Westchester Foundation, dedicated to enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families, hosted its flagship fundraiser, ‘A Matter of Taste,’ on April 30th at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. This was the 18th year for this popular event, which featured 20 area restaurants serving nearly 400 attendees. The event raised $500,000 which will be used to support The Arc Westchester programs and services.
“This evening is always a joyful one, but it’s also a reminder of what bring us together: a shared commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future for people with developmental disabilities. That future is possible because supporters, like those who attend our event, speak up, and give generously to keep the momentum going,” stated Barry Clark, Executive Director of The Arc Westchester Foundation. He added, “Now is a time of uncertainty as it pertains to government funding for those with disabilities. The attendees, who raised their paddles this year in record numbers, were motivated to support our cause, donating more money than in any other paddle raise in the organization’s history.”
The theme of the event focused on the power of community and family, highlighting how working together makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. This year’s honorees demonstrate what true partnership looks like by creating job opportunities and advocating for care and support. It was a celebration of dedication, inclusion, and teamwork.
The Family Partner Award was bestowed upon the Daddino Family, honoring their dedication and long-standing support of The Arc Westchester. For over 30 years, Daphne and Patrick Daddino have been active members of the Arc community. Daphne’s sister Susan resides in one of The Arc’s group homes, and Daphne has served nine years on the board, contributing to many key committees including Strategic Planning, Nominating, Incident Review, and Program Quality Improvement. She has also been a fierce and compassionate advocate for those who have no family by representing them through the Guardianship Committee, ensuring that they live lives filled with choice, dignity and happiness. Daphne sees guardianship as “love that doesn’t fade, a lasting promise that no one will be forgotten or left behind.” When the pandemic hit, Patrick was instrumental in securing critical supplies for The Arc Westchester, helping to deliver masks and other resources to protect the people served by the organization and the staff who care for them. He also helped secure support from the Jack DeVito Foundation, further strengthening the organization’s mission. Together, the Daddino Family has embodied advocacy and partnership through their service and dedication.
The Corporate Partner Award was presented to The Mines Press. For nearly a century, this family-owned commercial printing company has been a proud part of the Westchester business community. Under the leadership of Steven Mines, they continue to deliver high-quality printed materials and promotional products throughout the region. In addition to their printing operations, Steven’s sister Jennifer Mines operates Iscream, a subsidiary and lifestyle brand known for its colorful and creative designs. As a multi-generational family business, they share a commitment to innovation, community engagement, and
inclusive employment. Through their 25-year partnership with The Arc Westchester’s Supported Employment Program, they have created meaningful job opportunities for many individuals with developmental disabilities, fostering independence, confidence, and connection.
In his speech, Steven Mines stressed how important the relationship with The Arc Westchester has been to his company. “The original goal was to help the Arc do what they do, which is give people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live the human experience a little more like the rest of us. Dennis and Evan, who we hired through The Arc job training program, are living dignified, productive lives enriched with real accomplishments, and our staff wants to share in their success,” he said. “The collective effort by our team to help these individuals succeed on a day-to-day basis is one of the things that perpetuates the ‘family business’ culture that is so important to my sister Jennifer and myself. We simply could never have accomplished it without The Arc Westchester.”
During this unforgettable evening of glamour and philanthropy, guests enjoyed a memorable dining experience brought to life by the creativity and generosity of Westchester’s finest chefs. Their delicious dishes, served alongside a broad selection of wines, specialty cocktails, and craft beers, created a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that celebrated community and giving back.
About The Arc Westchester Foundation
The Arc Westchester Foundation works to increase public awareness and financial support for The Arc Westchester, which is the largest organization in Westchester County that provides lifelong, comprehensive services and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families all across the area. Many of The Arc Westchester’s most innovative programs receive little or no public funding, making private philanthropy vital to creating fulfilling, meaningful lives for the people they support.
As a chapter of The Arc New York, The Arc Westchester is part of the largest and oldest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
For additional information, visit www.arcwestchester.org.
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