More than 200 people recently filled the Italian Center in Stamford to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of ARI of Connecticut, Inc. The 1970s-themed fundraiser, Fall Ball Groovin’ for Independence, honored the founding families of ARI, including the Dichter, Lotstein, Martin and White families. The nonprofit, which helps people with developmental disabilities learn and grow, to work toward more independence, presented the Always Reaching for Independence Award to Latoya Hunter, who has been served by ARI for more than twenty years. Event MC Motts Pelazza, Board Chair Gimbels Pon and ARI President and CEO Susanne Kuligowski recognized the founding families during the event, which raised over $107,000. Proceeds fund programs and services that support more than 100 people in Stamford. Up next, the organization will be holding its Annual Walk for Independence in the spring and the Annual Lotstein/Martin Golf Tournament and dinner next summer. See more arict.org.
Photographs by John Martin
