The Arc of Katy 2022 “Achieve With Us” Gala

The Arc of Katy’s Board of Directors will host its annual gala on January 13, 2023 with an “Achieve with us” theme to benefit programs that empower and enrich the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. 

 

The Arc of Katy invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to register as sponsors, underwriters, auction donors and attendees for the fun, fund-raising gala event at Beckendorff Farms in Katy, said Cherie Duddridge, president of The Arc of Katy. Those interested can sign up and find additional information about the event online. The deadline for sponsor and donor recognition in event communications is December 1. Those interested in learning more about The Arc of Katy can review its website, www.thearcofkaty.org, or send an email to info@thearcofkaty.org.  

 

register here  

 

Intellectual and developmental disabilities are disorders that usually present themselves at birth and impact the trajectory of an individual’s physical, intellectual, or emotional development including their ability to learn, reason and problem-solve, Duddridge explained. “With funds raised through our annual gala, The Arc of Katy provides opportunities for our family members, friends and neighbors diagnosed with IDD such as Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorders to be active, respected and fulfilled members of our community.”

 

Duddridge recognized gala chair Fran Dahl and committee members Fred Shafer and Mary McGovern, who are working in tandem with Joni B’s Events to plan the event. “They are planning a wonderful evening of festive entertainment and divine dining that embraces the bountiful harvest of the autumn season in the beautiful fall foliage of Beckendorff Farms.” 

 

The event guest speaker is Roderick Batson, philanthropist and native of the Houston area, serial entrepreneur, and partner in Katy’s Howdy Homemade Ice Cream franchise. He will share his story, including the inspirational focus and employment practices of his business that are complementary to the mission of The Arc of Katy. 

 

Entertainment will include surprises for guests from The Arc of Katy participants as well as live and silent auctions, a wine pull and music for dancing. Event sponsors and auction donors to date include Beckendorff Farms, Margaritaville Lake Resort in Conroe, Hungry’s Café & Bistro, Total Wine and More, Houston Dynamo Football Club, Houston Interactive Aquarium, Nice

 

The Arc of Katy is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization. Its mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that enable each person to be included as a respected and active member of the community throughout their lifetime. 

 

The organization was incorporated in the state of Texas as an affiliate of The Arc of the US and The Arc of Texas in August 1990 and launched its first adult day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at YMCA Camp Cinco in Katy in February 2005. 

 

The Arc of Katy programs include: 

• An adult day program for adults with IDD who are no longer in high school, held from 8 am to 3 pm five days a week from September through May.
• Summer day program sessions for adults and teens age 16 and older with IDD, held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. five days a week from June through August.
• An online virtual day program held Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as a supplement to the in-person day programs (launched in response to the covid pandemic).
• Be Strong activities available to The Arc of Katy’s in-person teen and adult day program participants to promote physical fitness and good health. 
• Monthly weekend social events for adults and teens age 16 and older with IDD. 
• Empowerment Through Knowledge education programs for caregivers, educators, family members, and open to the public. 
• The Arc of Katy Cares community service activities. 
• Other opportunities for participants and families to participate in community events.