Raising funds in support of programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities wasn’t the only objective of The Arc of Volusia’s recent A Seat at the Table event.
“It was about creating meaningful connection,” said the nonprofit’s Daytona Beach chapter CEO Laurie Davis in a press release. “One of the most special parts of the evening was inviting individuals we serve to attend and quite literally have a seat at the table alongside sponsors, community leaders and guests.”
Approximately 120 people comprise the group, which gathered at The Arc’s Daytona Beach campus the evening of May 7 for the fundraiser, which raised more than $50,000.
“The support we received exceeded our expectations and affirmed how deeply this community cares about creating opportunities for every individual to feel seen, valued and included,” Davis added.
Founded in 1962, The Arc of Volusia provides services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and meaningful participation in the community. The organization also has a DeLand location.
The inaugural A Seat at the Table offered guests “an immersive experience designed to showcase the organization’s mission, impact and vision for the future.”
Fundraiser money to benefit The Arc of Volusia’s several programs
The funds support several of the nonprofit’s programs, which focus on “life skills development, education, transportation and community engagement for individuals served by The Arc of Volusia.”
One of those programs is the Adult Day Training Program — the “heartbeat of our agency,” according to the organization’s website.
Staff members work with participants individually, developing a plan tailored to their goals and objectives in terms of daily living, adaptive skills, social skills and employment.
Other programs also help participants develop practical skills (such as light manufacturing, mailroom services, package assembly, disassembly and pickup/delivery services), as well as provide employment support for individuals to continue succeeding in their jobs.
Besides volunteering and financial contributions from the community, the nonprofit also accepts donations of supplies such as clothing, furniture and even unwanted vehicles.
Community partners’ remarks among highlights at The Arc of Volusia’s fundraiser
The event featured the presence of local leaders and partners, such as Florida Rep. Chase Tramont, as well as Jeff Brock, a real estate attorney at the Daytona Beach-based law firm Smith, Bigman & Brock, whose daughter participates in The Arc’s programs.
According to the press release, Brock shared “an emotional and personal message about the profound impact The Arc has had on his family,” while Tramont spoke about the “importance of community investment and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.”
Other highlights from the evening included a “progressive dining experience across campus, live music, a live auction, and the launch of The Arc Ambassadors membership initiative, designed to encourage ongoing community engagement and support,” the release said.
For more information about The Arc of Volusia or how to contribute, visit ArcVolusia.org or call 386-274-4736.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: The Arc of Volusia raises $50K for intellectual disabilities programs
Reporting by Brenno Carillo, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
