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The AHRC Foundation’s Rose Ball, held on June 13, 2024, at Oheka Castle, was a night to remember, celebrating significant milestones: the 75th anniversary of AHRC Nassau, the 50th year of Camp Loyaltown, and the 30th anniversary of the AHRC Foundation. The event raised an impressive $350,000, benefiting the key initiatives of the Foundation, including health, education, employment, community inclusion, recreation, and guardianship supports/services. The funds raised enable the Foundation to award grants to Long Island nonprofits serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in these key areas.

Emily Ladau, author of “Demystifying Disability” and Editor of Able News, served as the emcee. She welcomed guests and introduced the 75th-anniversary video, which can be viewed here. Tom Rosicki, President of the Nassau County AHRC Foundation, expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors, whose support was crucial to the evening’s success. A full list of sponsors is available on the Rose Ball website.

Linda Abramson Raff, President of Camp Loyaltown Inc., was recognized with the Leadership Award. Since 1974, Camp Loyaltown has provided valuable experiences for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The Abramson family has a long history with Camp Loyaltown. Linda’s grandfather, Nat Abramson, was one of the founders and served as the camp’s first President. The camp initially focused on providing a camping experience for inner-city underprivileged boys. In 1974, under the leadership of Linda’s father, Ephraim Abramson, a partnership was made with AHRC Nassau so that the camp would be reimagined to now welcome children with developmental disabilities. The family’s commitment to the camp has continued through generations, with Linda establishing the Ephraim M. Abramson Memorial Scholarship fund to help families afford camp experiences.

Thomas and Ellen Moore were honored with the prestigious Margaret L. Riva Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, the highest honor given by the AHRC Foundation, recognizes a lifetime of advocacy and service that has significantly advanced the rights and opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The award was first presented to Margaret Riva herself in 2016 and renamed in her honor. Ellen Moore’s involvement began in 1968 with the birth of her son, Douglas, who has a developmental disability. Her roles have included President of the North Woodmere Valley Stream Auxiliary and the Presidents’ Council, and member of the Guardianship, Human Rights, and Incident Review Committees. Based on his love for their son Douglas, Tom Moore supported him and thousands of other children and adults like him. Most notably, he served as President of the AHRC Nassau Chapter and as President of NYSARC, Inc. for five years (2002-2006). Both continue to serve as board members and committee members.

The 2024 Rose Ball was a testament to the power of community and the enduring commitment to children and adults with developmental disabilities. For more information and to view the event videos, click here.