The 2024 Arc Awards took place on June 18, 2024 at the Middletown Arts Center. The night was a showcase of the impact The Arc of Monmouth has and the employee devotion that makes it possible. The evening's ceremony began with Board President Joyce Nunziata welcoming everyone and remarking on The Arc of Monmouth's 75th Anniversary. Joyce then provided the audience with an update on what happened at The Arc of Monmouth in the past year. Some new updates included the success of Adult Service's "Bridge" program, major renovations to group homes, and the announcement of "Founder's Day". Founders Day will be an event to celebrate our 75th Anniversary in conjunction with Rising Treetops at Oakhurst. Joyce also touched on the continued success of The Work Opportunity Center, and The Arc of Monmouth's involvement in advocacy through attending the 2024 Disability Policy summit in Washington D.C and The Arc's National Convention in New Orleans last year. This presentation made it clear that The Arc of Monmouth is constantly working towards improving the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Executive Director Bob Angel then went up to the podium and began the awards presentations. The awards were presented to employees who were nominated by their peers and recognized as having gone above and beyond, and embody the core values of The Arc of Monmouth.
The awards and recipients for the 2024 Arc Awards were:
- Employee of The Year:
- Winner: Alexandra Goldrich.
- Direct Support Professionals of The Year:
- Winners: Nikita Goines & Pauline Mancle.
- Rising Star Award:
- Winner: Nina Rivera-Gomez.
- Self Advocate of The Year:
- Winner: Olivia Gallo.
- Volunteer of The Year:
- Winner: Orrie Schulman.
- Community Partner of The Year:
- Winner: Scouts Troop 331 Leaders John Guaragno & Jane Zysk.
- The Kathy Mullery "Spirit Of The Arc" Award:
- Winner: Patricia Gomez.
- Executive Director's Special Award:
- Winner: Lewis Paskin.
Also honored were employees with long time service to The Arc of Monmouth. Employees recognized were:
- Candice Layton - 45 years
- Gwendolyn Jackson - 23 years
- Ambrose Ekhelar - 22 Years
- Magdalena Aders - 22 years
- Ginnette Tores - 21 years
- Patricia Gomez - 20 years
- Jasmine Cope - 20 years
During the awards presentation, Executive Director of The Arc of New Jersey Tom Baffuto expressed his strong support for The Arc of Monmouth and commended the impact the organization has on Monmouth County and the work it does. Following the awards ceremony, members from The Broadcast Club closed out the show with a spirited rendition of Heart from the musical Damn Yankees and Happiness from the musical You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. It was a beautiful ending to the evening.
We would like to thank everyone who attended this years Arc Awards and once again extend a congratulations to all of the winners. We would also like to send a special thank you to The Middletown Arts Center for being gracious enough to donate their venue to us for the awards.
