January 1, 2017 Nearly 170 people gathered at the Saugerties Performing Arts Factory for The Arc of Ulster-Greene’s 24th Annual Holiday Auction on Nov. 18.
The event raised more than $40,000 to support people with autism and other developmental disabilities throughout Ulster and Greene counties.
Attendees enjoyed live music, cocktails and a three-course dinner. No one left empty-handed, with hundreds of live and silent auction items, raffle prizes and a wine pull available. A few lucky guests left with several sought-after auction items, including a Disney World vacation adventure and a home patio improvement project.
This year, The Arc of Ulster-Greene celebrated 60 years of service. The organization has been a champion in the community, delivering high-quality education, recreation, respite, residential, employment and other supports for people with autism and developmental disabilities.
Visit thearcug.org for more information.
Porco Energy recently held a ceremony to mark the dedication of its second “Deliveries for a Cause” truck at Anderson Center for Autism’s campus in Staatsburg. Anderson students and adults and family members, along with Anderson staff and community members, attended the dedication of the colorfully decorated truck.
Patrick Paul, Anderson’s incoming CEO, expressed gratitude to the Porco family, five of whom are currently on staff at Porco Energy. “The Porco Energy family has gone more than the extra mile on our behalf,” Paul said, according to a press release. “Every mile they travel in this beautiful new truck is a moving reminder of the daily challenge of individuals on the autism spectrum and the important work being done at Anderson Center for Autism. It is an inspirational contribution by a philanthropic area business.”
Joe Porco, Porco Energy president, also spoke at the celebration. “The Porco family believes in supporting the communities we serve,” he said. “In 2009, we began our “Deliveries for a Cause” program with a pink breast cancer awareness truck and we make quarterly donations to the Miles of Hope Foundation. When we were ready to dedicate another truck, we decided that Anderson Center for Autism was another large local organization doing excellent work, and that we wanted to support them through our second ‘Truck for a Cause.’
“We sincerely hope that it will prompt people throughout our delivery area to give generously to Anderson Foundation for Autism,” Porco added. “Proceeds from every delivery made by these trucks go to support these great causes.”
Anderson Center for Autism is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality programs possible for both children and adults with autism. It employs 800 specialists who are trained to diagnose, treat and care for adults and children on the autism spectrum. Visit andersoncenterforautism.org for more information.
The Blue Light Foundation was presented with a check for $600 from Mike Campbell of the Mid Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union at the foundation’s annual Holiday Party with Ulster Lodge No. 103 Free and Accepted Masons.
The Blue Light Foundation, Inc. is a local non-profit 501.3c charitable organization. All money raised will go toward the foundation’s many charity projects. They include the Boy Scouts, the Saugerties Food Pantry and the Saugerties School PTA. The organization also provides Thanksgiving and holiday/Christmas dinners for the poor and needy, as well as providing support for other non-profit organizations, shut-ins, the elderly and children in need. In addition, it helps support children’s sports and activities in the area.
