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Noel Hord to be honored at Ability Beyond Disability Gala

 

BETHEL, Conn. -- An illustrious career in the shoe industry as the President of companies such as Nine West Group, U.S. Shoe Corporation, BCBG Max Azria, New York Transit and LF USA Footwear Group has brought Noel Hord the success he had dreamed of as a young boy. But it is his involvement in the community and his founding and dedication to the Hord Foundation that has brought Mr. Hord the most joy in his life.

Mr. Hord will be receiving the Robert S. Young Humanitarian Award at Ability Beyond Disability’s Confetti Gala on April 24^th. The award is given each year in memory of Robert S. Young, a former volunteer leader and President of Ability Beyond Disability. The honorees are members of the community who exemplify extraordinary community participation and volunteerism.

Mr. Hord is a past member of the Board of Directors at Ability Beyond Disability. The organization, headquartered in Bethel, CT and Mt. Kisco, NY, serves over 1,500 people with disabilities in the community each year. Founded by a group of parents over 56 years ago, Ability Beyond Disability provides homes, training, jobs, therapies and the opportunity for people with disabilities to live a full life in the community.

Mr. Hord has received numerous recognitions related to his outstanding leadership ability, community service and commitment to helping others. He has been the recipient of the James C. Taylor Personnel Award in recognition of his outstanding work in human resources and career development, the Presidential Medal Award from Western Connecticut State University for outstanding leadership and contribution to the University and the community of Danbury and the Mayor’s Proclamation from the City of Danbury, in honor of his service to the Community. He has also participated in the Urban League's National Black Executive Exchange Program that sponsors visiting professionals and mentor programs at the country's leading Black Universities and Colleges.

"I believe very strongly in giving something back," says Mr. Hord, "and working with our country's young people is an investment in our future."

Mr. Hord co-founded "Concerned Black Men of Action for Youth" in Danbury. He was the first President of the organization, which focuses on mentoring African-American youth. Mr. Hord also co-founded, along with his late-wife Cora, the Hord Foundation for minority scholarships. Over the last 17 years, the Hord Foundation has granted over $3,250,000 in scholarship money.

The Confetti Gala is being held on April 24, 2010 at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. Money raised from the event will allow Ability Beyond Disability to continue to provide critical supports to over 1,300 individuals with disabilities in the community. The honorary chair for this year’s event is longtime supporter, Rita C. Thal. Tickets are $175 and sponsorship or advertising opportunities are still available. Please call 203-826-3181 for sponsorship and ticket information.

 

Ability Beyond Disability is a 501{c} (3) organization headquartered in Bethel, Conn. and Mount Kisco, N.Y. It provides a wide range of services for approximately 1,500 people with a disability that inhibits their activities of daily living -- including numerous residential alternatives, employment training, career counseling, job placement services, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational activities. Its services extend into much of Connecticut and the Hudson Valley, New York. For more information about Ability Beyond Disability please visit: www.abilitybeyonddisability.org.