Ability Beyond Disability Fundraiser—

An Evening of Hope and Promise

By Nancy K. Crevier

David and Gail Matthews of Newtown, co-chairs for this year’s Ability Beyond Disability’s gala fundraiser, are not new to the world of non-profit organizations. Before moving to Newtown in 1999, the couple served on boards and committees for the American Cancer Society, United Way and the Pittsburgh Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“The experience we had [in Pittsburgh] has contributed to our position as the chairs [for Ability Beyond Disability],” said Ms Matthews.

Ability Beyond Disability is a non-profit service provider for people with mental and physical disabilities. “It isn’t about taking care of people,” stressed Mr Matthews, “but about helping people get their lives back and their dignity back. The goal is to integrate them into society through work, venues and training. Independence is the goal.”

The organization, formerly known as DATHAR, has been in existence for 53 years, creating employment opportunities, providing education and outreach and ensuring that every person’s basic right to safe and comfortable housing is met.

Upon relocating to Newtown, the Matthewses looked for opportunities in the non-profit arena that would effectively make use of their skills. Ms Matthews, a lawyer, and Mr Matthews, who works for Curtis Instruments in the mobility products area, found their match in Ability Beyond Disability.

Conversations with clients and Ability Beyond Disability staff members impressed Ms Matthews. “I was overwhelmed by the administration and staff of Ability Beyond Disability,” she said. “I wanted to fully understand their mission and see how I could contribute to the organization.”

In his profession, Mr Matthews works closely with therapists, designing items such as wheelchair controls, and felt that Ability Beyond Disability was an organization to which he could easily relate, as well. “What draws us both,” he said, “is that it is such a local charity. You see the people helped every day and the smiles on their faces.”

They have been involved with the charity since 2003, but this is the first year they have chaired the gala, one of the organization’s four annual fundraisers. “To stay on track with our goals is a challenge,” said Ms Matthews. “We are constantly challenged with revenue needed.”

The budget for Ability Beyond Disability is about $45 million each year to service over 800 people in the two-state area. Ability Beyond Disability’s budgeted administrative costs are 11 cents per dollar, while the average charity runs between 15-24 percent. Donations are an important source of income. “With government cutbacks, what we do on a private level is very crucial,” she added.

The theme of this year’s gala, to be held February 11 at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, is “The Silver Lining Gala: An Evening of Hope and Promise.”

Said Ms Matthews, “We wanted to convey that Ability Beyond Disability has accomplished so many things and generated so much optimism for independent living. Behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining.”

The couple began planning for the gala in September. Guests will enjoy dancing to the music of Nic & The Nice Guys after dinner and, for the first time, both a silent and a live auction will take place. Individuals and businesses have donated items ranging from health and beauty packages to time-shares at vacation homes for the silent auction.

“There are some real high-end items for the live auction,” said Mr Matthews, on which they hope to see some lively bidding. “We have an African safari and a vacation home in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico,” said Ms Matthews, for example.

A special portion of the live auction that night will be the Lend-A-Hand, Fund-A-Mission program. “Guests can contribute to the upgrade on group homes. We will be accepting monetary or ‘in kind’ gifts for that,” explained Ms Matthews.

The Matthewses emphasized that group homes are an integral part of community integration for clients of Ability Beyond Disability. The charity supports group homes in Duchess and Westchester counties in New York, and in Fairfield and Litchfield counties in Connecticut.

“The largest concentration of homes,” said Mr Matthews, “is in Mount Kisco, [New York], where I work, and in Danbury, where Gail works.” According to the Ability Beyond Disability website (www.AbilityBeyondDisability.org), the charity supports approximately 370 individuals currently living in over 90 residences in the two states.

Involvement in the organization has been as fulfilling as either of the couple had hoped, particularly pulling together the Silver Lining Gala. “It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Mr Matthews. “Everyone has found it very rewarding. We have had great support from the 48 people on the committees.”

Ms Matthews added, “David told me, ‘It’s like throwing a stone in the water and watching the ripple go out from it.’ At every meeting, a volunteer would bring another person to volunteer, and that one would bring someone. It’s been a fantastic experience.”

Tickets for the Silver Lining Gala can be obtained by contacting Sue Iavocacci, 775-4700, extension 3181. The deadline for ticket purchase is February 1, and the popular fundraiser is already nearly at maximum capacity, the couple warned.

Procrastinators may miss out on a great opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause, as well as what the Matthewses promise will be “a spectacular evening.”