AHRC New York City’s 75th Anniversary celebration on May 13th at Tribeca 360° was a rousing success. We were honored by the presence of our distinguished guests, beloved families, resolute employees, and so many more members of the AHRC NYC community. Coming together to recognize three-quarters of a century of excellence and pioneering disability services means so much to all involved.
The evening was an opportunity to reflect on our remarkable history to enlighten and inform our present and future. Opening the evening, the remarks of Ray Ferrigno, AHRC NYC’s President, Laura Kennedy, and Patricia Murphy, Board Members, and Dinner Co-Chairs, all highlighted the organization’s amazing history and the power of families in changing the world.
Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC NYC, said “In July 1948, Ann Greenberg started a social revolution, one that to this day is alive and well at AHRC NYC. Her vision, actions, and advocacy are great gifts, but they also demand much from us. The will and determination to work hard to create and perpetuate a culture where the power of difference is embraced, valued, and celebrated. The will and determination to never settle for things as they are, but rather to envision what can be, and then, together, make it happen.”
The gala was hosted by Errol Louis, Spectrum News NY1 anchor, and an icon of New York political journalism. He recounted his family’s history with The Arc of Westchester, where his brother lived in a residence for many years.
Our Hall of Honor included Maureen E. O’Brien, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYSID; Dr. Sheryl White-Scott, Senior Medical Advisor at AHRC New York City, and a Board of Director of the Human Services Research Institute; Beth Haroules, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney and Director of Disability Justice Litigation at the New York Civil Liberties Union; Mitchell Bloomberg, Chairman-Elect of the AHRC NYC Foundation Board, and Principal at International Lights; Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright; and Dale Hensley, Thayne Jasperson, and Gavin Creel from AHRC NYC’s Our Broadway.
The Our Broadway crew brought down the house with a two-song performance showcasing all of their talents and passion.
Sharyn Van Reepinghen was The Anne Kraus Award Recipient, named in memory of a formidable AHRC NYC volunteer and staff member. Sharyn has demonstrated exceptional dedication to AHRC NYC’s mission as Former President of the AHRC NYC Board and her ongoing commitment to various board committees.
Finally, we proudly honored Kerri Neifeld, the outgoing 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. She has actively engaged with AHRC NYC programs, advocating for inclusive workspaces, and fostering partnerships, showcasing her passion for creating opportunities and choices for those she serves.
Many thanks to our 75th Anniversary Committee, our corporate partners, fellow professionals, board members, people we support, families, and staff for collaborating with us and supporting us! With the ongoing backing of our community, we are poised to shape our own future—a future where the power of difference is not only embraced but valued and celebrated.
