July 29, 2009
Ontario ARC receives $10,000 from Canandaigua National Bank
Funds go towards agency's recreation programs

Ontario ARC's Executive Director William Castiglione (second from left), along with some of the agency's participants, accepts a check from Deborah Rought of Canandaigua National Bank. Earlier today, the bank donated $10,000 to go towards Ontario ARC's recreation programs.

July 20, 2009
Ontario ARC goes "cruisin'" for sponsors
Canandaigua-based organization to hold its 17th annual “Cruisin’ for a Cause” at Steamboat Landing

Raising money for fun is tough business.  Just ask Donna Auria, director of development at Ontario ARC.

“Children and adults with developmental disabilities often spend a lot of time at school, doctors visits, and therapy sessions,” says Auria.  “The agency offers a wide variety of recreational activities to provide some balance and increase an individual’s confidence.”

Which is why on Aug. 20, the Canandaigua-based, non-profit organization will hold the 17th annual Cruisin’ for a Cause – its only major fund raiser of the year to support its growing recreation program offerings.  Held at Steamboat Landing, this year’s event will feature three half hour cruises on the Canandaigua Lady, entertainment by The Works and Metro, and a live auction emceed by Howie Jacobson. 

“The funds go towards giving individuals with disabilities the same type of recreation opportunities that we all take for granted – swimming facilities, playgrounds, movie and athletic outings, exercise equipment, all specially made to accommodate the people we serve,” adds Auria.

But with the unpredictable financial climate, the agency is concerned about sponsors, as well as ticket sales to the event.  In addition – like other ARC organizations – it is facing tremendous cuts in its funding from the state and federal government.  

“The agency has been fortunate to have solid supporters in the community, but with today’s economy it is easy to cut out an annual donation,” says Auria.  “If an organization can’t contribute monetarily, we can find a way for them to participate through goods and services.”

For its auctions this year, Ontario ARC has lined up some exciting live and silent auction items, including Buffalo Bills tickets, an overnight stay at Inn on the Lake, a family four pack to the Rochester City Ballet production of the Nutcracker, among others.

In addition, sponsorship opportunities are still available at various levels:

• Lead Sponsor, $1,000 and up: Receive first mention in the Canandaigua Daily Messenger and Finger Lake Times advertisements, recognition as a lead sponsor in the ARC Notes newsletter, as well as eight tickets to the event.
• Supporting Sponsor, $500 and up: Advertisement in the Canandaigua Daily Messenger and Finger Lake Times, recognition as a supporting sponsor in the ARC Notes newsletter, as well as six tickets to the event.
• Contributing Sponsor, $300 and up: Advertisement in the Canandaigua Daily Messenger and Finger Lake Times, recongnition as a contributing sponsor in the ARC Notes newsletter, as well as four tickets to the event.
• Donating Sponsor, $200 and up: Recognition as a donating sponsor in the ARC Notes newsletter, as well as two tickets to the even.

“While recreational activities are just one of the many services we provide, its one of the most important programs the agency offers,” says Auria.  “Our atheletic and social events always put a smile on participants’ faces.”

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, contact Auria at (585) 394-7500, ext. 191. 

July 9, 2009
Ontario ARC's Companionship II program celebrates summer with Canandaigua Primary

Students from Mrs. McWilliams’ 2nd grade class at Canandaigua Primary celebrated the end of the school year with participants from Ontario ARC’s Companionship II program by having a picnic at Sonnenburg Park.  The program – which is in its eighth year – matches students with participants from the agency with the goal of enhancing the understanding of diversity and sharing different life experiences.

July 2, 2009
Call for volunteers, prize donations for annual Eberhardt Carnival

Ontario ARC is currently seeking volunteers and prize donations for its annual Eberhardt Center’s Country Fair on July 29.

To assist the agency with the carnival, interested individuals must be at least 14 years old and able to work in between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Volunteers will be assigned to run games and activities, as well as assist with the set-up and break down of the carnival.  The event – which will feature live music, dancing, and games – also needs prize donations, such as brand-new toys and stuffed animals and other assorted trinkets. 

“The Country Fair is a fun way that Ontario ARC brings recreational activities to individuals with developmental disabilities,” says Kim Boyd-Gysel, Eberhardt Center’s program manager.  “Volunteers won’t see this as work, but as a fun way to give back to their community.”

For more information how on to get involved with the Country Fair, contact Pilar Nadal (pnadal@ontarioarc.org) or Michelle Fairman at (585) 396-3060.

Ontario ARC’s Eberhardt Center – located on County Road 48 in Hopewell – provides activities, therapies, life skills guidance, and human services for individuals who have developmental disabilities. 

 

July 1, 2009
Ontario ARC appoints Canandaigua resident to Board of Directors

Canandaigua resident Peter Lijewski was recently appointed to the Ontario ARC’s Board of Directors.  In his new role, Lijewski will work with other board members to support and guide the non-profit organization to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Prior to his appointment as a Board Member, Lijewski served on the agency’s Advisory Board, which consists of community leaders who meet twice a year to assist Ontario ARC to create opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.  In addition to his work with Ontario ARC, Lijewski is the vice president of supply and East Coast operations at Constellation Wines.  He is also currently a Board Member with the YMCA and previously served on the Canandaigua Knights Hockey board.