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Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
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Fall Flavor: Matter of Taste 5 Raises $125,000
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Over 200 people attended Westchester Arc’s annual gourmet gala, “A Matter of Taste 5” on October 21 at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, raising $125,000 in support of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
One of the agency’s most unqiue fundraisers, A Matter of Taste provides guests with a “full-flavored” experience, bringing together the area’s top-rated restaurants for an evening of gourmet food and good will. Attendees enjoyed dishes ranging from savory barbequed pork and sweet corn polenta to mouth-watering lamb shank osso buco.
Delicacies were paired with over 30 international wines. Live jazz from the Perrone Brothers and the soothing sounds of harpist Michelle Gott, a student with the New York Philharmonic, contributed to the evening’s elegance.
“This cavatelli with duck ragout is outstanding,” remarked one guest. “And I can’t wait to try some homemade ice cream for dessert.”
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Chefs from the area’s top restaurants prepared mouth-watering dishes.
Many resturants, such as Underhills Crossing, Great American BBQ and Harry’s of Hartsdale were happy to come out in support of Westchester Arc. “We are excited to prepare some of our most popular dishes,” said Kathy, a chef at Great American BBQ. “Westchester Arc’s cause is one that is near and dear to our heart, and we are glad to be here for our third year.”
Adrienne J. Arkontaky, Esq., an attorney at Littman Krooks LLP, and Peter Herrero, Jr., president and owner of the New York Hospitality Group, co-chaired the event.
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(From left): Peter Herrero, event co-chair and president and owner of the New York Hospitality Group; Anne Sweazey, Westchester Arc Foundation executive director; Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and Ric Swierat; Westchester Arc executive director.
The event also celebrated the accomplishments of individuals with developmental disabilities and recognized those who contribute to their inclusion into community life.
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Honoree Fran Porcaro (next to last, on right) enjoys the festivities with her family (from left to right): son Erik Porcaro and wife Kristie; daughters Christa Porcaro, Gretel Green and Kaitlin Porcaro, and husband Eugene Porcaro.
Fran Porcaro, assistant executive director of educational services at Westchester Arc, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. For over 40 years, Ms. Porcaro has been on the frontline of those advocating for social change. Her efforts have resulted in an ever-increasing array of services for children with developmental disabilities and expanded partnership with community pre-schools—enabling children with disabilities to learn and play alongside their typically developing peers.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said an emotional Porcaro. “Over the last 40 years, we have seen many changes. Services for pre-school children are growing. Children with special needs are more included in mainstream education. But what hasn’t changed is the knowledge and innovation of Westchester Arc’s teachers, social workers, therapists and support staff—who work tirelessly to help every child achieve their true potential. I am proud to be a part of the Westchester Arc family and there is nothing I would change about the last 40 years.”
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| Michael Greenebaum catches up with friend Katharine Wilson Conroy, president of NYSARC and Westchester Arc board member. |
The Greenebaum/Jakes/Schwartz Family were honored with a Family Partnership Award for their longtime support of Westchester Arc. Michael Greenebaum is currently employed at Neiman Marcus’ Zodiac Restaurant through the agency’s supported employment program. With the help of Westchester Arc, he has become an independent, productive member of the community, while his family have remained there for him—and others with developmental disabilities—every step of the way.
“We are all very proud of Michael,” commented Dr. Ellen Greenebaum. “With the commitment of Westchester Arc, and the support of our parents and family, my brother has achieved his dreams and reached heights many never thought possible.”
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Event honorees The Greenebaum/Jakes/Schwartz Family pose for a family portrait.
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Displaying original artwork created by an individual with developmental disabilities are: Anne Sweazey Westchester Arc Foundation executive director; Larry McNaughton, Westchester Arc Foundation President; Adrienne J. Arkontaky, event co-chair; Anne M. Majsak, Westchester Arc President, Peter Herrero event co-chair, and Ric Swierat, Westchester Arc executive director.
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| Guests were eager to socialize and sample dishes. | |
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