Cruisin' for a Cause raises a record $90,000!

Prior to the event this year, I had a chance to chat briefly with our executive director, Bill Castiglione, who gave me the short version of Cruisin' for a Cause's history. The first year of the event was just on the Canandaigua Lady, which can hold approximately 120 people.  At this point,  Steamboat Landing didn't even exist!  These were the days before the live auction, silent auction and complimentary wines. As it continued to grow, the event was moved inside the restaurant's ballroom and one cruise was split into two.

Well things have definitely come a long way. Not only did 650 local resident attend this year's festivities, Ontario ARC raised more than $90,000 -- a record breaking amount in its 19th year!  

And from the looks of things, attendees had a blast! 

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Cruisin' for a Cause is definitely a labor of love for all that are involved. It takes hard work and dedication -- but it always pays off!  We are always looking for dynamic people who are willing to get involved by joining the Cruisin' for a Cause committee.  If you or someone you know is interested in participating, don't wait until next year!  Contact Donna Auria today at 585-919-2191 and make a difference for people with developmental disabilities in Ontario County!

A special thank you this year's committee:  Elizabeth Palmatier (committee chair), Rob Anania, Donna Auria, John Beca, Lynn Bessell, Bill Castiglione, Jim Colizzi, Joan Curry, Miriam Gould, Karl Hagen, Ginny Kellogg, Kris Kriegelstein, Denver Lannon, Mike Mancuso, Daye Parsons, Jill Peek, Diane Pogoda, Kim Stewart, Margaret Urlacher, Michele Wistner, Denny Wyckoff.

Dr. Naseef returns to Ontario ARC

Dr. Naseef speaks to families during the grand opening of
The Autism Center at Ontario ARC.

If you had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of The Autism Center back in April, then you undoubtedly heard the buzz about Dr. Robert Naseef. Founder of Alternative Choices -- a mental health facility in Philadelphia -- Dr. Naseef is a psychology and renowned expert. If you missed the grand opening festivities, then you are in luck -- Dr. Naseef will be returning to Ontario ARC on Oct. 21 and 22 to give additional presentations.

• The Father Factor: Understanding the Special Needs of Fathers on Friday, Oct. 21, 7 - 9 p.m.:
• Children with Special Needs & Family Life: Taking Care of Everyone's Needs on Sat., Oct 22, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m:  

Of course, if you have "liked" our Facebook page then you already know about this unique and innovative presentations.  For more information, head to Facebook and check it out.  Like Ontario ARC.

To reserve your seat today, please contact The Autism Center at Ontario ARC via email or call 585-919-2188.

Companionship Program celebrates another successful year

The Companionship Program is a partnership with Erin Hopkin's second grade class at Canandaigua Primary School and participants from Ontario ARC's YMCA and Congregational Church Community Learning Centers.  This was Ms. Hopkin's first year with the program and she did a superb job!  She encouraged her students to learn the names of individuals and assisted with monthly projects.  Erin said the parents were very pleased with the program and that their children would come home and talk about their experiences.

At the end of the school year, the Companionship Programs has a party at the Sonnenberg Garden picnic area to celebrate new friendships and wish each other well.  The Centerfield Homemakers Association graciously volunteers each year and provides a lovely lunch of full of nutrious veggies, chips, hamburgers, watermelon and a choice of dessert.  The Canandaigua National Bank staff returned again this year to offer their assistance as well.  They set-up an activity table with choices of bracelets, rub-on tattoos and trinkets.

Thank you to all of the parents who assisted the program, the Centerfield Homemakers Association and staff from Canandaigua National Bank.  What a perfect example of inclusion for the Canandaigua community!