Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (August 20, 2015) – The Abilities First’s Signature event has been rescheduled to October 16, 2015 from 6:30 – 11 p.m., at Shadows on the Hudson, Poughkeepsie, NY. The Hudson Valley will come together for this annual event to help raise funds for the organization and celebrate and honor the community’s support for the 1,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities that Abilities First serves.
The Abilities First Signature event will honor David and Lynn Melby as the 2015 Outstanding Volunteers and Rose & Kiernan, Inc. as the 2015 Outstanding Community Leader. They are being recognized for their commitment to volunteer work and philanthropic support of Abilities First programs and services and bringing heightening awareness of the organization within the region.
The premiere event of the year has a whole new look and feel. For the first time ever, Shadows on the Hudson will be closed for this exclusive event. The evening will begin with wine tastings and a signature drink, hors d’oeuvres, and enchanting performances overlooking the stunning views of the Hudson River which offers prime viewing of the fall foliage.
Shadows on the Hudson will be then be transformed into a pulsating nightclub. Guests will also enjoy progressive dining, an oxygen bar, tastings in the Bubble and Bourbon Whisky Lounges, a Cigar Garden and a host of other unique entertainment experiences! Soulsystem Orchestras, an eleven piece live band, featuring Rob Affuso will entertain guests. The founder and leader of Soulsystem Orchestras, Rob Affuso is best known as the drummer from the multi-platinum band Skid Row. This live band is guaranteed to provide high-energy entertainment.
This fundraiser will support the organization’s mission of providing people with disabilities and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integrationThe practice of including people with special needs in all aspects of typical community life. Abilities First believes that if integration occurs naturally in a setting (e.g., classroom, place of work, residential neighborhood, etc.), the ratio of people with disabilities to those without should approximate what is found in the total population. That is, less than or equal to 20% people with disabilities. More and acceptance by others through educationThe process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits. We believe all children and adults can benefit from quality education. More, exploration and experience.