The Arc Westchester Foundation’s 18th Annual “A Matter of Taste” Fundraiser

The Arc Westchester Foundation, dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, hosted its annual gala, “A Matter of Taste,” on April 10th at the beautiful Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. This was the 18th year for this popular event, which brought together more than 20 area restaurants for a spectacular culinary evening for over 360 attendees. The event was a huge success, raising more than $450,000 for The Foundation. 2024 also marked the 75th Anniversary of The Arc Westchester.

The theme of the event focused on the lived experiences of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Attendees were moved by Mark Glucksman’s words about his son Sam, a program participant with The Arc Westchester. He stated, “there is no greater endorsement of any organization than to entrust to them the care and support of your child.”

This year The Arc Westchester Foundation honored three exceptional allies who have significantly contributed to The Arc Westchester’s mission. The Corporate Partner Award was presented to NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health. Through their partnership with The Arc Westchester and Project SEARCH, their program serves young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the OPWDD system, as well as students who are in their last year of high school who could benefit from personalized support through an intensive year of career development and internship experience.

The Family Partner Award was bestowed upon The Glucksman Lieber Family, celebrating their long-standing dedicated service and generosity towards The Arc Westchester. Mark Glucksman and Roberta Lieber have three children: Samuel, Charles, and Benjamin. Their son Samuel, a 31-year-old with Down syndrome, has participated in The Arc Westchester's Choices and Recreation program for over a decade and lives in an Arc Westchester residence. Mark and Roberta have been key contributors to the strategy and direction of the organization for over 20 years through board and committee leadership.

The Lifetime Advocate Award was presented to Ann Nehrbauer, who is 95 years old, and was instrumental in the landmark lawsuit that ultimately led to the shuttering of Willowbrook State School, a facility in which people with developmental disabilities were subjected to poor treatment and inhumane living conditions for decades. Because of his increasing medical needs and their inability to care for him at home, and the fact that there were no other options and the doctors insisted, Ann’s disabled son spent 16 years as a resident at Willowbrook. Upon seeing the horrid situation there, she and her husband began a lifelong advocacy effort that ultimately helped bring about a historic civil rights lawsuit to close down Willowbrook and bring about positive change. This lawsuit, and the heroic work of people like Ann Nehrbauer, became a symbol for raising the conscience of the nation to support community integration and to establish high standards for humane conditions for all residential opportunities. The Willowbrook case helped lead to more people with disabilities being able to live in their communities, to more services for people with disabilities, and to the legal right of children with disabilities to a public education.

After leaving Willowbrook, Ann’s son moved into an Arc Westchester residence and lived there for 44 years until his passing last December. Ann was and remains committed to the Arc Westchester and its programs. Wherever useful or needed, Ann’s advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities continues to the present day.

“75 years ago, things were very bleak,” said Barry Clark, Executive Director of the Arc Westchester Foundation, “The hard work of Ann Nehrbauer, and others like her, have made it possible for the people we support to lead dignified and fulfilling lives today. The standing ovation she received when she took the stage to accept her award is hardly enough to express our gratitude.”

During this unforgettable evening of glamour and philanthropy, attendees enjoyed an excellent dining experience enriched by the extra layer of community engagement displayed by Westchester’s finest chefs. This was complimented by a selection of fine wines, specialty cocktails, and craft beers.

Longtime Arc Westchester Foundation board member Elaine Masket, who co-chaired the event with Peter Herrero, Jr., expressed excitement about The Arc Westchester’s 75th anniversary, stating, “75 years laser-focused on empowering thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities, in ways previously unimaginable. We started small, dreamed big, and have moved many mountains all along the way.”

About The Arc Westchester Foundation

The Arc Westchester Foundation works to increase public awareness and financial support for The Arc Westchester, which offers a wide range of lifelong services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. 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.