On June 13, 2024, AHRC Nassau was recognized for its 75th anniversary by the AHRC Foundation at its Annual Rose Ball, highlighting decades of advocacy and dedication to supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. A special tribute video was created, highlighting its history and decades of achievements.
The evening also recognized the 50th anniversary of the transformative partnership of between AHRC Nassau and Camp Loyaltown Inc., led by Leadership Award recipient Linda Abramson Raff, President of Camp Loyaltown, Inc. Since 1974, Camp Loyaltown has provided children and adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain independence and connect with the natural world while offering caregivers the invaluable chance to recharge.
A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the prestigious Margaret L. Riva Lifetime Achievement Award to Tom & Ellen Moore. This award, the highest honor given by the Foundation, recognizes a lifetime of advocacy and service that has significantly advanced the rights and opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. First presented to Margaret Riva herself in 2016, the award was renamed in her honor to continue her legacy of dedication and impact. The award was presented by Margaret Riva’s living children, Lorraine and Frank Riva, who are both supported by AHRC Nassau.
Ellen and Tom Moore have dedicated their lives to serving AHRC Nassau, grounded in their love for their son Douglas, who is supported by AHRC Nassau. Ellen has served as President of the North Woodmere Valley Stream Auxiliary and the Presidents’ Council, and as a member of the Guardianship, Human Rights, Incident Review, and Compass Committees. Tom has held key leadership roles, including President of the AHRC Nassau Board of Directors and the state association NYSARC, Inc. (2002-2006). He currently chairs the Finance, Buildings and Grounds, and Membership Committees on the AHRC Nassau Board and serves on the boards of the AHRC Foundation and Advantage Care Health Centers.
Stanfort Perry, Chief Executive Officer of AHRC Nassau, remarked, “Tom and Ellen Moore reflect all of what is good about our agency. And it is not an overstatement to say that we would not be where we are today without people like Tom and Ellen who have given so much of themselves to ensure the success of others.”
Looking ahead to the next 75 years of excellence, rising star Sydney Ambrose was presented with the Blanche Fierstein Scholarship by Andrea Fierstein, Blanche’s daughter, and Saundra Gumerove, AHRC Nassau’s Board President. The Blanche Fierstein Scholarship was established in 2011 to honor the life and legacy of the late AHRC Nassau Board member and NYSARC, Inc.
This year’s Rose Ball was an evening to remember, celebrating a community where care, support, and relationships last a lifetime.