Staatsburg, New York…Anderson Foundation for Autism today announced results of its October 24th gala, which surpassed $230,000 in funds raised and attracted 240 attendees. The event theme was “An Evening in Paris,” and included a cocktail reception with a string quartet, along with dinner, dancing, auction, and an awards program. Sponsors included The Ryan Family, Barry R. Feirstein, Pamal Broadcasting, Susan Brune and Chip Loewenson, Buzzy Geduld, Central Hudson, Mid-Hudson Construction Management, Kirchhoff, The Kollar Family, Tondra and Jeff Lynford, NFP, CDPHP, The Jennerich Family, Siegrist Construction, among others; it was held at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie.
As has become an annual tradition, during the celebration the winners of the coveted “Above and Beyond” awards were acknowledged. This year, those honorees were Anderson team members Angelica Berrios-Swenson and Jared McLaughlin.
Berrios-Swenson, resident of Poughkeepsie, is a nurse in Anderson’s Children’s Services program. McLaughlin, who resides in Highland, is likewise a nurse, but works in Adult Services at Anderson. In addition to a full presentation recognizing their specific efforts and outcomes, thanks to Anderson donors, the two professionals each received a monetary award of $3,000.
Said Dr. Tina Marie Covington, PhD., BCBA-D, LBA, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism (and incoming CEO/Executive Director of the nonprofit), “Angelica Berrios-Swenson and Jared McLaughlin were both nominated by families who shared impressive examples of the ways that these two nurses have respectively exceeded every expectation when it comes to care. They are truly deserving of the Above and Beyond Awards, and it was a privilege and joy to acknowledge them for all that they do to further our mission. Both Angelica and Jared embody the kind of compassion, perseverance, and patience that help optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism, while giving parents and caregivers much-needed peace of mind. They both lead by example – and by honoring them at the gala, we had a chance to publicly applaud them for their extraordinary dedication. It was clearly meaningful for everyone in the room – and I hope they know how much they have inspired us all.”
And, as was previously announced, the V.V. Anderson Community Service Award was also bestowed upon Anderson parents, philanthropists, advocates, and Mahopac residents Patrick and Vanessa Ryan that evening.
A longtime accountant with a career spanning nearly 40 years, Patrick Ryan is currently the CFO of an asset management firm in Greenwich, Connecticut called AQR Capital Management. His wife of 30 years, Vanessa, is employed by the Putnam County Office of Senior Services, where she manages a program that provides medical transportation to senior citizens. Their family also includes three children: Peter, Ciara, and Sean.
Reflected Kelly Dooley, Interim Assistant Director of Development at Anderson, “When Patrick and Vanessa Ryan came up to the podium to receive their award, they shared a deeply moving message that will undoubtedly resonate with everyone in that room for many years to come, reminding all of us of the profound purpose behind Anderson’s work, and the incredible impact that it has on families like theirs.”
Covington added, “They shared so beautifully, and in doing so, connected everyone in that room to what our work is all about. And the Ryans have wholeheartedly embraced every opportunity to advance our cause. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to enriching life not only for their son, but for all who are touched by autism.”
Proceeds from the annual gala are used to advance Anderson’s organizational mission by directly supporting the educational, vocational, residential and clinical services that help “optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.”
Dooley continued, “It was a very special evening that motivated and inspired all of us in the room – and we are very thankful to our ever-growing circle of support; these fundraising events are successful because of the many people who believe in what we do – and every dollar raised helps us expand our impact.”
For more information, call 845.889.9208 or visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.