People’s Arc of Suffolk breaks fundraising record with $250K at Candlelight Ball
Bohemia nonprofit People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted its annual Candlelight Ball at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook on Thursday, October 15, raising more than $250,000 for its programs to support the disabled community in Suffolk County.
With more than 500 guests in attendance, the evening honored State Sen. Monica Martinez, (D, WF-4th Senate District) and Sean Chamberlain, head coach of the Farmingdale State College Men’s Lacrosse Team, for their long term support of people with disabilities served by the organization.
For more than 20 years, Chamberlain has organized his lacrosse team to buy, wrap and deliver holiday toys to children at the People’s Arc Educare Center throughout the month of December. Chamberlain was joined on stage during his acceptance speech by members of the FSC lacrosse team and some of the Educare Center students.
“People’s Arc of Suffolk is a really special place. We’ve been coming there a long time and really love the people there,” said Chamberlain. “Just like a lacrosse team, it brings together a group of people to accomplish a common goal.”
A highlight of the evening was an appearance by Ram-Bo, the Farmingdale State College mascot, and Cheddar, from 91 Lacrosse, wearing sandwich board style signs with QR codes that helped attendees scan and donate funds to People’s Arc of Suffolk. News 12 Long Island anchor and reporter Jenn Seelig and meteorologist Alex Calamia emceed the evening.
The annual Candlelight Ball is one of the organization’s major fundraising events, the proceeds from which support a range of programs for the disabled, from employment and education to arts, recreation, and community living.
