JCC of Mid-Westchester Gala Celebrates Special Needs Services

Tuesday, 20 May 2014 15:46

Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 May 2014 15:52

Published: Tuesday, 20 May 2014 15:46

Joanne Wallenstein

Community Service Award recipient Alison Singer, fifth from left, with Nancy Kaplan, Director of JCC Special Services Education (6th from left), and Toward Tomorrow pre-school and enrichment program staff.

Stilt-walkers, a magician and a juggler entertained the crowd at the JCC of Mid-Westchester's carnival-themed Gala, celebrating 20 years of excellence in providing special needs programming and education. Board Treasurer Roger Kahn garnered kudos for his dedication to the JCC, and Alison Singer, president and co-founder of the Autism Science Foundation, received the JCC's Community Service Award for her work on behalf of families and children in the special needs community. Susan Rozin of New Rochelle, Helen Samuels of NYC, and Rachel Moseley of Scarsdale, served as Gala Co-Chairs with honorary chairman Robert Arnow of Scarsdale.

More than 200 guests, including local dignitaries, UJA-Federation of New York executives, business leaders, and patrons gathered at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in West Harrison, NY, to pay tribute to the staff and teachers of the JCC's Special Needs Services and Enrichment programs, celebrating 20 years since the JCC began special needs programming and education. Toward Tomorrow Pre-School, evaluations for school services, speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT) and/or counseling services, integrated summer programming, as well as enrichment programs, such as social skills, Tai Chi, gymnastics, theater, art, music, sports are among the many special needs services and programs offered at the JCC.

JCC of Mid-Westchester Board President Peter Rothschild (left) with New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson (center) and JCC Executive Director Karen Kolodny

As Alison Singer accepted the JCC's Community Service Award, she spoke movingly of her experiences when her daughter was a preschooler in the JCC's highly-regarded Toward Tomorrow Pre-School, licensed by the New York State Department of Education. The celebration extended through Sunday, May 4, with a Family Festival and Carnival at the JCC open to everyone in the community. Children enjoyed carnival game booths and prizes, jumping in bounce houses, and sliding down the Big Slide. Pet Rescue was also present with dogs for adoption. Proceeds from the festival and gala will support the programming and services of the JCC Special Needs department, as well as scholarships for children in various programs at the JCC. Donations still being accepted at www.jccmw.org.

Juggler entertaining the guests at the JCC’s carnival-themed gala, celebrating 20 years of special needs programming and education