The Arc Westchester Foundation hosted its annual golf outing on September 16th with more than 110 golfers teeing up and another 70 supporters joining for dinner at Knollwood Country Club. This year’s event raised over $235,000 for the Children's School for Early Development, one of the largest providers of community-based, specialized services for young children with developmental disabilities in Westchester County. The school provides educational, social and support services for children, from birth to five years of age, and their families.
“This was one of our most successful golf outings to date. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of those in attendance. Their support will go a long way to helping the school provide much needed supports at a time when we are feeling a significant gap left by reduced federal and state funding and ensures the continuation of high-quality early intervention and preschool services,” stated Barry Clark, Executive Director of The Arc Westchester Foundation.
This year's honoree was the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and Newsletter Committee of the Children's School, recognized for their outstanding support and dedication to the students.
“Statistics show that early childhood intervention is critical to ensuring that children can thrive later in life and yet, government funding remains inadequate. If it weren’t for our donors and this outing, I don’t believe we could operate this school which provides critical support for families across Westchester. Despite these challenges, our commitment to early childhood education remains unwavering,” stated Tibi Guzmán, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Westchester.
For the second year the event also featured a collaboration with the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA), who once again ran an Adaptive Golf Clinic on the driving range at Knollwood Country Club during the golf outing. The clinic featured teaching professional Ryan Kayton, providing lessons on the fundamentals of golf to several young adults supported by The Arc Westchester. Both organizations are excited to continue to this partnership.
Impact of Funds Raised from the Golf Outing:
- Professional development workshops for teachers and staff enhancing service quality.
- Investments in technology and access to on-line learning materials and activities to enhance instruction.
- Class trips to integrate community learning and enrich the educational experience.
- Furniture, therapeutic and art supplies, and toys for all classrooms.
About The Arc Westchester’s Children’s School for Early Development
Following the dream of a mother looking for playmates for her child with special needs, The Arc Westchester’s Children’s School for Early Development got its start in a church basement in Pelham, NY over 75 years ago. Today, the school continues to be one of the largest providers of community-based, specialized services for children from birth to five with developmental disabilities in Westchester County, NY.
The Arc Westchester believes the earlier infants and children receive instruction in early learning concepts, communication, fine and gross motor skills, and self-help skills, the better their chances for long-range success. The school’s mission is to help children, who would be at risk before they reach their elementary school years to develop the tools they need to optimize their educational future.
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. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Arc Westchester. For additional information, visit www.arcwestchester.org.