Our mission is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential based on personal choices, abilities and interests...
For more information contact:
Mellissa Lang
Director of Marketing and Public Affairs
phone: 914.949.9300,
ext. 4618
fax: 914.997.2985
or 914.428.0322
mlang@westchesterarc.org
Westchester Arc
The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center
265 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914.949.9300
info@westchesterarc.org
24-hour
Crisis Intervention:
914.949.8200
Información
en Español
Sign Up for News & Updates
Press Release
MBIA Invitational Mobilizes Financial Services
Industry in Support of Nonprofits
Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Benefit
WHITE PLAINS, NY – September 21, 2007 – The 23rd annual MBIA Invitational, a golf and tennis classic held September 17, brought together a sellout crowd of over 400 participants to raise $375,000 for services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. All proceeds will go to the Westchester Arc Foundation and Special Olympics-Hudson Valley Region. Since the first MBIA Invitational in 1985, nearly $7 million has been raised for these two organizations.
Participants, primarily from the New York area financial services industry, hit the links and tennis courts at Anglebrook Golf Club, Mount Kisco Country Club and Whippoorwill Club.
Gary C. Dunton, MBIA chairman and CEO, and event co-chair, personally thanked all those attending the event, many of whom have participated for over 20 years. “The ongoing support of our friends and colleagues in the financial services industry proves that community is much more than a place on a map. For us, it is a shared commitment to return some of our good fortune to those in our area who deserve a rich and fulfilling quality of life. I am proud to be a part of this remarkable community of peers.”
Anne Sweazey, executive director of the Westchester Arc Foundation, also expressed appreciation. "The MBIA Invitational provides vital support for our services,” she commented. “We are so thankful to MBIA and its staff for their continued dedication to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.”
A number of sports greats also participated in the activities, including Curly Neal, former Harlem Globetrotters star; Emerson Boozer, former running back for the New York Jets; and Cathy Turner and Bob Beamon, both multiple gold medalists. Jeremy Schaap, sportswriter and Emmy award-winning ESPN anchor, emceed the event’s banquet.
A highlight of the evening was presentation of the 2007 Charles R. Kingsley Award to the Lombardozzi family of Mamaroneck for their tireless work to increase public awareness of the untapped potential that lies within individuals with developmental disabilities. Joey Lombardozzi, with support from his mother Alice, has been actively involved with Special Olympics for over five years, where he has medaled many times in his athletic career. When he’s not competing in track and field, basketball or swimming, Joey works full time for the Elmsford law firm of Pappalardo, Tombini and Wolfe through Westchester Arc’s supported employment program. Both Joey and Alice are great examples of focusing on ability, rather than disability.
Westchester Arc is the largest family-focused agency in the county serving people of all ages who have disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. Established over 55 years ago, the agency has long advocated community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, consistent with personal wishes and capabilities.
Special Olympics Hudson Valley is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for individuals with disabilities.
MBIA Inc. (NYSE: MBI), through its subsidiaries, is a leading financial guarantor and provider of specialized financial services. MBIA's innovative and cost-effective products and services meet the credit enhancement, financial and investment needs of its public and private sector clients, domestically and internationally. MBIA Inc.'s principal operating subsidiary, MBIA Insurance Corporation, has a financial strength rating of Triple-A from Moody's Investors Service, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, Fitch Ratings, and Rating and Investment Information, Inc. MBIA has offices in London, Madrid, Milan, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Tokyo.
###