A photo of last year’s ceremony is attached. From left to right are: Rob Rolison, Bessie Payne Award recipient; Brian Chaires, Rising Star Award recipient; Steve Dambra of Odyssey Church, Katz Award recipient; Susanne O’Neil, Mimi Stambrook Award recipient; Andre West, Kenny Dixon Award recipient; Michele Pollock Rich of Grace Smith House, Employer of the Year Award recipient; Miss Delfino accepting for Lucille Delfino, Frank Pessia Award recipient; Tina Montefusco, Sarah Studler Award recipient; and Cammie Jones, Peggy Martinko Award recipient.
The search is on for local change-makers who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of people with disabilities. The Arc of Dutchess, which serves nearly 1,000 people with disabilities in Dutchess County, is now accepting nominations for the 2018 “Celebration of Stars” awards. The annual awards ceremony recognizes individuals who work to create more inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities in our community. The public is encouraged to submit nominations of deserving people via the following link: http://arcdutchess.org/2018-celebration-of-stars-awards/
“The Arc of Dutchess is steadfast in its mission to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve what matters to them,” said Crys McCuin, executive director of The Arc of Dutchess. “It only makes sense that we celebrate those in our community working to further this vision by making Dutchess County a better, more inclusive place for all.”
Award recipients are honored in these categories: the Sarah Studler Award, to a young professional who demonstrates boundless energy, optimism and generosity; the Peggy Martinko Award, to a trailblazer; the Kenny Dixon Award, to an individual with disabilities who perseveres through life’s challenges with grace, dignity and strength; the Katz Award, to a selfless pioneer; the Frank Pessia Award, to an impassioned parent; the Mimi Stambrook Award, to a noble ally; and the Bessie Payne Award, to a humanitarian legend. The employer of the year and The Arc of Dutchess Rising Star will also be honored at the event, which will be held on Thursday, September 27 at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel in Poughkeepsie.
Nominations can be submitted online through the organization’s website from now through July 1 at 5:00 PM and will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee comprised of board members, staff, and community members of The Arc of Dutchess.
About The Arc of Dutchess
As one of the region’s largest non-profit organizations devoted to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, The Arc of Dutchess in Poughkeepsie, NY, supports nearly 1,000 people with disabilities and their families through clinical therapies and habilitation programs, along with vital services related to residential support, respite and other family resources, student and parent assistance in the transition from school to adulthood, educational advocacy and guardianship, plus recreation and youth programs. For information, visit The Arc of Dutchess at www.arcdutchess.org
