We are less that one week away from The Arc Westchester Foundation’s 15th annual “A Matter of Taste” fundraiser, which will take place on Tuesday, October 16 at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. The event, which raised more than $400,000 in 2017, will feature signature cuisine prepared by the finest chefs in the area, accompanied by a wide assortment of fine wine and craft beer. It is truly one of the highlights of our year!

In addition to showcasing the best and brightest local chefs and restaurants, “A Matter of Taste” will also include two awards of recognition to truly deserving honorees.

Family Partner Award: The Wong Family

Longtime supporters of The Arc Westchester, Elsie and Yen Wong are the proud parents of two sons, Gregory and Christopher, and a daughter, Jennifer, who was born in 1976 with Down syndrome. With Jennifer’s birth, the Wongs became one of the legions of families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Exceeding all expectations and goals that were set for Jennifer, the Wongs proudly celebrated her graduation from Irvington High School. Finding a job was another story, however, until the family learned about The Arc Westchester. Through our celebrated employment programs, Jennifer received a job coach and training in office skills. She was successfully employed by the Westchester County Clerk’s Office and then moved on to the law office of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, where she has done clerical work for the past 15 years. Since 2014, Jennifer has been residing at our group home in Scarsdale. She looks forward to going to work every day, and is living a happy and productive life.

“Our involvement with The Arc Westchester has provided Jennifer with the opportunities she deserves. They have made Jennifer’s transition into the house less stressful for both her and us. The staff provides a family-like environment while allowing her to continue with her many outside activities (i.e. Special Olympics and recreational programs). We can’t imagine what Jennifer’s life would be like without The Arc Westchester,” says Elsie and Yen.

Corporate Partner Award: ABB OPTICAL GROUP/DIGITAL EYE LAB Network

ABB OPTICAL GROUP/DIGITAL EYE LAB Network is committed to giving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to be contributing members of the workforce.

ABB OPTICAL GROUP is a leading distributor of optical products in the United States that services nearly two-thirds of eye care professionals. The company’s DIGITAL EYE LAB Network includes state-of-the-art facilities that utilize advanced technology to fabricate digital lens products for optometrists. At their facility in Hawthorne, NY, team members hired through The Arc Westchester play an integral role in the manufacturing of spectacle lenses, spanning the process from surfacing to coating to lens cleaning.

“We cherish the profound impact these employees have on their co-workers, and recognize the tremendous value that they bring to our organization,” says Scott Pearl, managing director of DIGITAL EYE LAB Network.

This company has proven to be a perfect employer partner to our organization. Staff members are flexible, provide guidance, and work well with our employment team to come up with solutions that help our individuals succeed. They make sure the employees are given the opportunity to strengthen their job skills and increase productivity. All employees of ABB OPTICAL GROUP feel valued and understand the importance of working effectively as a team, and this positive and supportive environment instills feelings of pride and job fulfillment in all.

To purchase tickets to “A Matter of Taste,” visit www.arcwestchester.org/amatteroftaste.