AHRC NYC’s 75th Anniversary Gala at Tribeca 360°
Thank you for joining us for an evening of celebration at AHRC New York City’s 75th Anniversary Gala on May 13th at Tribeca 360°. We honored the vision of our founder, Ann Greenberg, whose idea shaped AHRC NYC for 75 years, creating schools, camps, clinics, employment programs, residences, and much more.
The evening featured a cocktail reception, dinner program, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. Many surprises added to the night’s excitement!
Our past is powerful, and so is our future. Thank you for making this celebration a night to remember!
View Photos from AHRC NYC’s 75th Anniversary Gala
2024 Gala Highlights
Errol Louis Hosted AHRC NYC’s 75th Anniversary Gala—A Night of Celebration
Errol Louis, New York City journalist and host of Inside City Hall on Spectrum News NY1, brought decades of distinguished experience in political journalism to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for AHRC New York City’s 75th Anniversary Gala. Recognized for his essential coverage of the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Errol is a debater, opinion columnist, and adjunct professor at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. He knows New York better than any journalist today and since AHRC NYC is quintessential New York, he was the perfect choice to shepherd us through our evening program.
View photos of Errol Louis at the gala
Experience the Magic of Our Broadway at AHRC NYC’s 75th Anniversary Gala
At AHRC New York City’s 75th Anniversary Gala, attendees experienced a unique glimpse into the talent of Our Broadway—a remarkable performing arts group comprised of people supported by AHRC NYC. Collaborating with Broadway professionals, Our Broadway brought theater, dance, and music to life, showcasing their skills not only at the Jerry Orbach Theatre but also in schools, museums, and community centers across the city. It was a special night of celebration, highlighting their extraordinary talent!
View photos of Our Broadway’s gala performance
2024 Hall of Honor
AHRC NYC’s Hall of Honor at the 75th Anniversary Gala
At AHRC New York City’s 75th Anniversary Gala, we proudly presented the 2024 Hall of Honor. This prestigious recognition spotlighted individuals and groups for their exceptional dedication and contributions to the intellectual and developmental disabilities community, shaping the legacy of AHRC NYC. We celebrated these distinguished trailblazers, whose commitment has made a lasting impact on our organization, the city, and the field.
Maureen E. O’Brien
President and Chief Executive Officer of New York State Industries for the Disabled
Maureen O’Brien, the first female President and CEO of New York State Industries for the Disabled, was honored for her tireless efforts in creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including over 1,000 people supported by AHRC NYC. Leading NYSID in providing gainful employment to thousands, Maureen’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion earned her recognition through awards for leadership and community service, aligning closely with AHRC NYC’s goal of increasing workforce inclusion.
View photos of Maureen E. O’Brien at the gala
Sheryl White-Scott, MD, FACP, FAAIDD
Senior Medical Advisor at AHRC New York City, and a Board of Director of the Human Services Research Institute
Dr. Sheryl White-Scott, beloved Senior Medical Advisor at AHRC NYC, was honored for her lifelong commitment to ensuring the well-being of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a board-certified internal medicine specialist and assistant clinical professor of medicine at New York Medical College, she demonstrated exceptional leadership in national organizations, received the 2014 Dybwad Humanitarian Award, and played a vital role in the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
View photos of Sheryl White-Scott at the gala
Beth Haroules, Esq.
Senior Staff Attorney and Director of Disability Justice Litigation at the American Civil Liberties Union of the New York Affiliate of ACLU
Beth Haroules, Senior Staff Attorney and Director of Disability Justice Litigation at ACLU of New York/NYCLU, was recognized for her lifelong dedication to defending the rights of people with disabilities. Handling a diverse range of cases, including high-impact litigations such as Willowbrook class action, Hirschfeld v. HHC/Kings County, and Kendra’s Law, Beth has been a crucial advocate for constitutional and civil liberties issues, contributing significantly to policy development and public education.
View photos of Beth Haroules at the gala
Rebecca A. Seawright
Assembly Member for New York’s 76th Assembly District, and Chair of the People with Disabilities Committee of the New York State Assembly
Assembly Member Seawright was recognized for her legislative work and dedicated advocacy for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, contributing significantly to AHRC NYC’s mission. Known for securing over $17 million in funding for public schools and community initiatives, Rebecca holds leadership positions, including Chair of the People with Disabilities Committee, and is a prominent advocate for Equal Rights Amendment, education, environmental protection, housing reform, and voting rights.
View photos of Rebecca A. Seawright at the gala
Mitchell Bloomberg
Chairman-Elect of the AHRC NYC Foundation Board, and Principal of International Lights
Mitchell Bloomberg, Founder and Co-Chair of the AHRC NYC Foundation Golf Classic, was honored for over 30 years of dedicated service on both the AHRC NYC Board and Foundation Board. His work on charitable events, including chairing the Annual Golf Classic, raised millions of dollars for programs supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Actively involved in various charities, Mitchell maintains a deep commitment to family and community.
View photos of Mitchell Bloomberg at the gala
Our Broadway
Join us as AHRC NYC’s Our Broadway took center stage at the 2024 Hall of Honors, showcasing an inclusive theatrical experience, where performers with disabilities collaborated with Broadway stars, bringing magical moments to life. Special recognition was given to three Broadway veterans and performers—Gavin Creel, Thayne Jasperson, and Dale Hensley—whose unwavering support has elevated Our Broadway. Dale, Founder, Director, and Fine Arts Advisor of Our Broadway, brought the spirit of Broadway to those we support. Gavin (Hello, Dolly! and Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Thayne (Hamilton and Newsies) graciously contributed their talents, enriching the lives of Our Broadway performers. Together, they embodied inclusivity and the transformative power of the performing arts. Thank you for celebrating with us at the 75th Anniversary Gala!
View photos of Gavin Creel, Thayne Jasperson, and Dale Hensley at the gala
2024 Awards
Sharyn Van Reepinghen
The Anne Kraus Award Recipient
Sharyn Van Reepinghen received the Anne Kraus Award, named in memory of a formidable AHRC NYC volunteer and staff member. Sharyn demonstrated exceptional dedication to AHRC NYC’s mission as Former President of the AHRC NYC Board and through her ongoing commitment to various board committees. Her professional achievements include successful recruitment for diversity in high-level corporate positions, negotiation for disabled children’s access to educational facilities in Hong Kong, and co-founding the Springboard School for Exceptional Children, highlighting her commitment to inclusivity and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Kerri E. Neifeld
Agency Champion Recipient of the Leadership in Government Award
AHRC New York City proudly honored Kerri Neifeld, Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities in New York State, for her exemplary leadership and visionary commitment to enhancing services for people with developmental disabilities. Since being named Commissioner three years ago, Commissioner Neifeld demonstrated a keen understanding of the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and a strategic prowess in government. She actively engaged with AHRC NYC programs, advocated for inclusive workspaces, and fostered partnerships, showcasing her passion for creating opportunities and choices for those she serves.
View photos of Kerri E. Neifeld and Sharyn Van Reepinghen at the gala
75th Anniversary Supporters
A Special Thank You to Our 75th Anniversary Gala Committee
Heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed Co-Chairs, Laura J. Kennedy and Patricia A. Murphy, along with Board President Raymond Ferrigno, for their dedicated leadership. Special thanks to Board Members Cory Olicker Henkel, Anne Gordon, Meri Krassner, Germaine Laviscount Scott, Anthony Lazanas, Lynda Tonery, Sharyn Van Reeinghen, Philanthropic Ambassador Rachel Chubinsky, and our Staff, Marco Damiani, Shirley Berenstein, Donna Gifford, Jennifer Amendola, and Angela Chan for their invaluable contributions in making AHRC NYC’s 75th Anniversary Gala a resounding success.
Our Past Is Powerful. So Is Our Future. Be a Part of It.
Founded in 1949, AHRC New York City is a family-governed organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As one of the nation’s largest non-profits, our dedicated staff of 4,500 positively impacts over 15,000 individuals annually across 150 locations throughout the city.
Rooted in advocacy and promoting a culture of belonging, we invite you to join us in commemorating our 75th Anniversary Gala—an occasion to reflect on our legacy and embrace a future of growth, championing the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. Your participation contributes to building a more inclusive and empowered community.
Honoring Our Legacy: 75 Years of Advocacy and Support
Celebrating 75 Years:
AHRC NYC’s Journey Through Time 1949–2024
Thank you to everyone who attended and experienced our timeline exhibit. This historical display showcased AHRC NYC’s journey from its inception in the 1940s, driven by the determined efforts of parents like Ann Greenberg, to its evolution into a beacon of innovation and inclusion. Spanning eight decades, AHRC NYC’s legacy of advocacy, transformative opportunities, and commitment to inclusivity has shaped public policy, influenced societal attitudes, and empowered people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives in inclusive communities.
