Where Do You Stand?
I recently attended a conference where The Arc of the United States did a presentation on survey results from across the nation. One telling statistic resonated with me that 59% of the general population felt that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were a drain on society. The statistic is one that is confusing and frustrating for me to wrap my head around. How could people think this way? I know that the individuals we support play so many key roles in the community and bring many talents and skills to the world. It was a reminder to me of how critical it is for us to play an active role in the education for the general community and abolish the misconceptions and biases that still guide the thinking of some of our society. We all need to be in this together to change the focus from negative to positive. By attending our events and supporting us through Membership you join us in the advocacy and education efforts on behalf of the over 600 individuals we support and the thousands being supported by sister chapters across New York State. We want to thank those who attended our first two events this year, and we want to extend an invitation to the whole community to please join us for the following...

*For Membership please go to https://www.renarc.org/donations-and-sponsorships/membership

*For information on our next event https://www.renarc.org/2-uncategorised/278-2022-gala

*Be a part of our $10,000 raffle. 299 tickets to be sold at $100 each. Call 518-274-3110 x3028 or email [email protected] for information.
Excitement Is In The Air
For our coming events! On September 15 we are holding our Gala fundraising event at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom. Join us for an evening of mingling, dining and artwork from our Brunswick Center artists. This year we will be paying a special tribute to Henrietta Messier, one of the founders of our chapter and a guiding star for the mission at The Arc of Rensselaer County. You have the opportunity of becoming an Honorary Committee Member or joining us as a guest. In addition, we will be drawing the winning tickets for our $10,000 raffle. With all of these exciting things happening this is an event you won't want to miss! Below is a letter from our Board President Ed Spain and CEO Don Mullin, as well as information for the event and raffle. Please email Lisa at [email protected].
Dear Friends, 
 
It is our pleasure, as the President and the CEO of The Arc of Rensselaer County, to invite you to join the Honorary Committee for our largest fundraising event of 2022, our Fall Gala. The event will be held at the Franklin Plaza in downtown Troy on Thursday, September 15. 
 
This year we will honor the memory of Henrietta Messier, a co-founder of this organization almost 70 years ago. Henrietta will long be remembered for her dedication to the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities here in Rensselaer County and beyond. She was indeed an inspiration to all those who knew her. Her energy, perseverance and powerful advocacy led to many creative programs aimed at enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities by convincing governors and legislators, over the years, to change the way New York cared for those we serve.
 
 Be a part of this exciting moment when we kick off the first annual Henrietta Messier Award for people in our community who have exemplified the dedication and determination of Henrietta. This year, the first Henrietta Award will be presented to her family. 
 
As an Honorary Committee member, you will receive one admittance ticket for all individual levels and two for all couples levels. In addition, your name(s) will be included on the invitation, on our website, on our program and at our event. Simply choose what level is best for you on the enclosed response card and return the envelope to our office. You can also sign up by going to our website at www.renarc.org.
 
The proceeds of this event will help provide needed funding for the programs and services we provide for the people and families we support. 
 
Sincerely, 
Edward O. Spain,                                  Donald J. Mullin, 
President of the Board                          Chief Executive Officer 
 
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At What Temperature Does Water Freeze?
It was with questions like this that long time friend of our Arc, Kevin Richards of Trivia Nights Live challenged the audience with question after question until only one winning team prevailed. Held at the American Legion in Wynantskill this deliciously catered affair (thank you Giuliano's Catering) brought on a battle of wits like no other! Shouts filled the air throughout the night although it was difficult to tell if they were expressions of success or the agony of defeat. The winning team, "We Are The Champions" included our CEO Don Mullin and Kumi Tucker from News Channel 13.
When Is It Ok To Play With Your Food?
When it's a fundraising event for our Arc! Nature couldn't have been more cooperative as we held our event for the first time at the gardens of our Brunswick Center Services. Laughter filled the air as the Sand Lake Center For The Arts (SLCA)Not So Common Players entertained us with their hilarious 1-Act plays. Our very own DJ Dave Towsley provided the perfect touch of dinner music between acts. Thank you to SLCA and Giuliano's Catering for their partnership with us. Additional thanks to all of the Arc staff that helped to make this evening a success. A special thanks to Callanan Industries, Inc. and Amsure, our Platinum sponsors and to Bonadio, OneGroup and Ross Enterprises, LLC for their sponsorship fo this event.
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You could also become a special part of this evening by becoming a business sponsor for the event. See below for the exciting perks that are included at each level!