On Wednesday, April 29th, The Arc Westchester Foundation welcomed guests to its 19th annual A Matter of Taste at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle for an evening that blended exceptional cuisine with a powerful sense of purpose.
Featuring a diverse selection of restaurants and beverage partners, the event created an energetic and engaging atmosphere where guests could connect, explore new flavors, and celebrate together. With a strong turnout, the evening was a tremendous success—raising nearly $575,000 in support of The Arc Westchester and the nearly 2,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families who are at the heart of its mission.
Beyond the tasting experience, the event served as a reminder of what’s possible when community, generosity, and shared values come together—fueling programs, expanding opportunities, and helping to build a more inclusive future.
Meet Our Esteemed Honorees
This event served as a powerful reflection of the organization’s impact, emphasizing how collaboration and community involvement are key to sustaining progress and creating lasting change.
Family Partner Award | The Majsak Family
We are proud to honor the Majsak Family, recipients of this year’s Family Partner Award at A Matter of Taste, in recognition of their decades of steadfast service, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to The Arc Westchester community. Since 1988, their journey—rooted in love for their son David—has helped shape a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered future for people with developmental disabilities. Through their leadership, generosity, and deep involvement across the organization, they have strengthened programs, uplifted families, and ensured that countless people have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
In their acceptance remarks, the Majsak family reflected on their journey and the profound impact of The Arc Westchester:
“Joe and I are thrilled to be with you tonight to accept this award… Our second child, who appeared 38 years ago, was a bit of a surprise with a couple extra chromosomes we weren’t expecting. We weren’t sure which way to turn—but soon, we found our way to The Arc Westchester, which became our lifeline.
The Arc Westchester is so much more than services—it is a community of compassionate professionals, educators, and advocates who are constantly innovating, collaborating, and pushing for a more inclusive world. Through its connection to The Arc New York and The Arc of the United States, it is part of a powerful network working to advance opportunity and dignity for all.
These are uncertain times, and advocacy is more important than ever. We must continue to ensure inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities. The Arc Westchester knows how to lead the way—and we are so thankful to be part of it.”
Join us in celebrating the Majsak Family for their extraordinary impact, enduring advocacy, and the countless lives they have touched.
Distinguished Leadership Award | Tibisay Guzmán, CEO
We are honored to present Tibisay A. Guzmán (Tibi), CEO of The Arc Westchester, with the Distinguished Leadership Award. Her career has been defined by steady leadership, a deep commitment to the community, and a clear, unwavering belief in what people with developmental disabilities can achieve.
Two Decades of Transformation
Over her 22-year tenure—from Assistant Executive Director and COO to CEO in 2018—Tibi has helped shape an organization where individuals are supported to live full lives and families feel truly understood. Her strategic vision has touched every aspect of The Arc Westchester’s growth, including:
- Opening New Pathways: Expanding transition and employment supports to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.
- Organizational Excellence: Driving critical technology upgrades, facility improvements, and staff development programs that empower the team behind our mission.
- Community Collaboration: Building vital partnerships across Westchester, recognizing that true innovation flourishes through collective effort.
A Voice for the Community
Tibi’s impact radiates far beyond our organization. With over a decade on Westchester County’s Community Service Board and leadership roles at St. John’s Riverside Health Care System, she remains a tireless advocate for mental health and education. Her work has been recognized with honors from the NYS Assembly, 914Inc., and The Arc US, among many others.
The Power of Being Seen
At the heart of Tibi’s leadership is her personal perspective as a parent. This empathy was beautifully highlighted during the award ceremony when her son, Daniel, shared how his mother and The Arc Westchester helped him transition from feeling “misunderstood” to finding a rewarding career and his place in the world.
In her moving acceptance remarks, Tibi reflected on the core of her mission:
“Our mission matters… when someone feels seen, believed in, and capable, a new sense of possibility emerges.”
Tibi Guzmán exemplifies leadership that does more than manage an organization—it transforms lives, empowers communities, and ensures that every individual has the chance to be seen for their true abilities.
Highlights from A Matter of Taste
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s A Matter of Taste an incredible success. We are truly grateful to our guests, sponsors, donors, restaurant and beverage partners, and our inspiring honorees for their generosity and dedication to advancing our mission.
