Ability Beyond Disability Celebrates 60th Anniversary & Raises Record-breaking Funds

To celebrate its 60^th Anniversary, Ability Beyond Disability hosted a gala that raised a record-breaking $1 million, with donations still coming in, on April 27th at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, CT.

For 60 years, Ability Beyond Disability has been helping people with disabilities succeed in the community. Through innovative community job training and placement, supported living, and recreational and educational opportunities, Ability Beyond Disability is committed to helping people live full and rewarding lives. As government funding continues to decrease, the organization relies heavily on philanthropic support from the community to provide services to over 2,000 people living throughout NY and CT.

Longtime supporters Kevin and Elaine Cox, residents of Ridgefield, were honored with the Robert S. Young Humanitarian Award for their unmatched commitment to the community. Special guest, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, attended the event to show his support of Ability Beyond Disability’s 60 year history and commend the Cox’s on their many contributions to the community. Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi Chaired the event. First Selectman Marconi has supported Ability Beyond Disability for many years and even employs an individual served by the organization at Ridgefield Town Hall.

More than 550 people came out to raise funds at the 60^th Anniversary Gala. Guests participated in both Silent and Live Auctions – to which scores of area businesses and individuals donated items and services – and a special auction titled “Lend-a-Hand”, in which people simply raise their hands and give outright gifts to the mission of Ability Beyond Disability.

“This year’s gala was our most successful event, raising more money for the critical supports we provide in the community, than ever before,” said David Cappiello, Vice President of Development and Communications at Ability Beyond Disability. “I would like to thank all of our donors, chair and our honorees, Kevin and Elaine Cox, for helping to make our 60th Anniversary Gala so successful and a night to remember,” he said.

Diamond Sponsors for the event featured renowned companies including: American Express, Aon, Colonial Automotive Group, Madstar Mobile, Maplewood Senior Living, People’s Power and Gas, PepsiCo and Presidio.

About Ability Beyond  Disability:

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 over 2,000 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 New York. For more information go to www.abilitybeyonddisability.org.