Beginning in 1949, AHRC New York City has set the standard for providing supports and services to people with developmental disabilities and their families. On Wednesday, May 17th, AHRC NYC leadership, staff members, people supported, and their families joined together to celebrate the organization’s 74th Anniversary and look ahead to the next year of events recognizing three-quarters of a century of pioneering and maintaining the highest quality of services.
Creating A World For One Another, With One Another
Ray Ferrigno, President of the AHRC NYC Board of Directors, said, “The theme of this celebration is creating a world for one another, with one another. The theme is a salient reminder that everything we do, when do it together, has a greater opportunity for success.”
He continued, “Everyone here tonight has chosen to be part of a community that is proud of its successes, but there remains vigilant advocacy that is needed to continue our work. I challenge each of you to ask yourself how we enable a world to see the value of everyone who bring unique gifts and talents that so often go unseen.”
Laura Kennedy, AHRC NYC Board Member and President of The Arc of the United States, reflected on her family’s history with the organization. “I remember the first annual dinner that my family attended 30 years ago. It was so wonderful, meeting family members and staff from all over the city. There was such excitement in the room, and my family felt embraced and in good company.”
Marco Damiani, CEO of ARC NYC, shared the organization’s “singular vision” of advocacy, humanity, reimagination, and change. “That is a vision that Anne Greenberg put forward in 1948, and we still celebrate and spirit. We still believe strongly that we are one, that no matter how different we appear to one another, we have a common focus, a common belief, a common action toward equity in this city, in this country, and in this world.”
Recognizing Toni Agovino and Rick Guidotti
This year’s Anne Kraus Award, given annually to a person who embodies the indomitable spirit of one of our key founders, was presented to Toni Agovino, a former longtime AHRC NYC Board Member, and a member of a family who has been deeply involved with AHRC NYC for decades. Al Agovino, Toni’s father, served as Board President for many years in support of his daughter, Elena. Our Agovino residence in the Bronx is named in Elena’s honor.
Anne Kraus Award honoree, Toni Agovino
“My sister Elena taught me unconditional love,” reflected Toni. “Elena made it easy with her beautiful smile and her fearless spirit. She taught me many life lessons, and I wanted to be an advocate to help people like Elena have the best life possible.”
Toni added, “I learned in my early years the power of camaraderie and working towards common goals, providing our loved ones with the quality of life and services that they so richly deserved. I saw how hard my parents and all the other families fought for services, and it changed me.”
The Humanitarian of the Year Award was given to Rick Guidotti, photographer and founder of Positive Exposure, an organization promoting a more inclusive world through award-winning photography, films, exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs.
Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient, Rick Guidotti
“I’m thrilled to receive the Humanitarian Award,” Rick said. “But the real honor here for me has been to collaborate with AHRC NYC for so many years. What’s content in we’re on, or what culture, or which language, or whoever and wherever we are, we all absolutely share the exact same need, and it’s a need to be seen, it’s a need to be heard, and it’s a need to belong. AHRC NYC represents that community, and it satisfies all of that for every single person that you serve.”
Support Our Great Work
Please help us continue to create a world for one another, with one another. Purchase a journal ad or donate today. Your contributions will be used to support AHRC NYC staff who work tirelessly to ensure the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support live full and equitable lives. No amount is too small when showing your support!
