Press Releases

    Ability Beyond Disability Gala a Huge Success

    Community raises over $510,000 for people with disabilities

    Ability Beyond Disability’s “The Confetti Gala…Celebrating Dignity, Independence & Hope” held on April 24, attracted over 570 attendees who joined together and helped raise over $510,000 in support of people with disabilities.

    The annual gala is Ability Beyond Disability’s largest fundraising event. Held at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, the Confetti Gala raised funds through sponsorships, tickets and ads prior to the event. The evening featured Silent and Live Auctions – to which scores of area businesses and individuals donated items and services – and Lend-a-Hand…Change-a-Life, in which people simply raised their hands and gave to Ability Beyond Disability because they want to change the lives of people with disabilities.

    The Honorary Chair for this year’s gala was long-time supporter and volunteer, Rita C. Thal. Noel E. Hord, founder of the HORD Foundation, was honored with the Robert S. Young Humanitarian Award for his unwavering commitment to the community in which we live.

    “The dedication and generosity of our supporters never ceases to amaze me,” said Paul A. Dunne, Vice President of Development and Communications for Ability Beyond Disability. “Their excitement and commitment to celebrating the abilities of people with disabilities is infectious…everyone in the room could feel it.”

    Ability Beyond Disability serves approximately 1,500 people with disabilities each year and relies heavily on philanthropic support to fill the gaps between the funding it receives and the needs of the people it serves.

     “Our supporters are making a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities,” said Mr. Dunne.  “We are so grateful for the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our Boards, volunteers and the over 900 staff members who live our mission each and every day.”   

    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. Today, its services extend far beyond the Danbury community into much of Connecticut and the Hudson Valley, New York. For more information about Ability Beyond Disability go to www.abilitybeyonddisability.org.
Meet John “When John was born in 1933, children with Down syndrome did not live at home, but his parents wouldn't have it any other way. As John grew up he required more support and eventually came to Ability Beyond Disability where he began to build a life for himself.”