The Arc Westchester Foundation, which raises public awareness and financial resources for The Arc Westchester”™s programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families, recently revealed that its 17th annual “A Matter of Taste” fundraiser, which took place April 19, raised more than $550,000. The event, which is back in-person for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began, was emceed by actor Kevin Kilner and featured signature cuisine prepared by the finest chefs in the area, accompanied by a wide assortment of fine wines, specialty cocktails and craft beers.
“The funds raised at A Matter of Taste are critical for ensuring people with developmental disabilities will have access to a suite of innovative services and enjoy a high quality of life,” said Nancy Patota, executive director, The Arc Westchester Foundation.
The Masket Family was awarded the Family Partner Award and Zaro”™s Family Bakery was the recipient of the Corporate Partner Award.
The Masket Family”™s involvement with The Arc Westchester began in 2011, when their autistic son moved into a group home. Focusing on long-term financial stability for the organization, the Maskets have been exemplary ambassadors, donors and fundraisers and were instrumental in forging an ongoing connection with The Taft Foundation, which has resulted in millions of dollars donated toward funding cutting-edge programs.
Zaro”™s Family Bakery, known for its unsurpassed quality of baked goods, including the iconic black and white cookie, challah bread and rugelach. is a household name in the New York metropolitan area. Zaro brothers Michael, Brian and Scott, the fourth generation of this family-owned and operated business, are also committed to giving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to be contributing members of the workforce. Their enlightened, inclusionary hiring practices are changing the lives of all their employees, while inspiring other businesses to provide career opportunities for individuals supported by The Arc Westchester, which is headquartered in White Plains. Currently, six individuals are working at Zaro”™s with plans to add more.
The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.
