Foundation Holds 16th Annual Achievement Awards Dinner

Almost 700 people gathered at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at the OnCenter this past June in support of Arc of Onondaga. The 16th Annual Achievement Awards Dinner celebrated the many achievements made by people with developmental disabilities and honored the community members who support them. Guests filled the vineyard themed room and enjoyed cocktails, food, live entertainment provided by the a capella group No XCuse, a complimentary wine tasting hosted by Yellow Tail Wine, and both live and silent auctions. 

 

Syracuse’s own Doug Logan served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening and shared many heartfelt stories of the night’s award winners. Emmanuel “Manny” Jones received the Person of the Year Award. Diagnosed with a developmental disability at an early age, Manny has overcome many obstacles and has made significant progress towards living an independent, inclusive life to his fullest potential. Paul Anderson, partner in Anderson Barney Real Estate Management Group LLC, received the Arc Achievement Award. Community Inclusion is an important part of Arc’s mission and vision, and this year Paul was recognized for his concerted efforts to support people with developmental disabilities in Onondaga County. Alfred Cappuccilli was honored as this year’s Founders Award recipient for his significant and long-term contributions to Arc of Onondaga. Al was instrumental in securing not only the land, but the funds to build Arc of Onondaga’s current home 40 years ago. Nixon Gear received this year’s Robert D. McAuliffe Community Service Award.   The business community is an important component in creating opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. Nixon Gear was honored as

a local business whose president, Sam Haines, has helped to bring attention to the outsourcing services of Monarch, Arc of Onondaga’s vocational division.

 

The Annual Achievement Awards Dinner is put on by the Arc of Onondaga Foundation. Formed in 2002, the Foundation was established to ensure the financial future of the agency by securing community support. The annual dinner raised thousands of dollars in support of Arc of Onondaga and its programs while at the same time acknowledged those people in our community who are truly deserving of recognition.