ARC annual banquet celebrates outstanding staff, supporters

Matt Hulcher, coordinator of the Day Support program at The Greater Richmond ARC, was named Employee of the Year at the organization’s annual banquet on Dec. 8.

Hulcher was lauded for his furthering of the organization’s mission to help make Richmond a community of opportunity to all.

The ARC Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Len Morrow, who helped substantially with the development of the organization’s outdoor garden.

ARC’s Individuals of the Year awards recognized the achievements of program participants that included Brian Downey, Leander Spencer, Patricia Tiller and Calvin Williams from Camp Baker Services; Daniel Owens and Linda Coleman from ARC Industrial Services, and Delbert Johnson from Day Support and Afterschool Services at ARCenter.

There also were 168 employees recognized at the banquet for being with The Greater Richmond ARC for five years or more.

Defense Logistics Agency-Installation Support Richmond and Michaels Stores Inc. were recognized for their ongoing support of ARC programs as “Vendor of the Year” and “Philanthropist of the Year” respectively.

Sports Backers, the organizers for the annual SunTrust Richmond Marathon, received the “Champions Award” for their ongoing support of ARC Industrial Services, which recently assembled runners’ packets for the fifth consecutive year.

Other ARC employees receiving awards for significant achievements included after school program counselor Gloria Womack (“Team Player of the Year”); client counselor Patricia Haymans (“Dream Maker Award”); and Kimberly Ampey, lead counselor in the day support program (“Family Partner” Award).

The Wheeler family was named “Family/Caregiver of the Year” for their donations of everything from hats and t-shirts to water bottles to support ARC’s garden program. They’ve also supported ARC-related events, including cook-outs and holiday parties.

Jennifer Tomasson of RBHA was named Case Manager of the Year.

“While we devote one night of the year to recognize everyone in the community who helps our organization make a difference, we recognize the importance of our program participants, employees, volunteers and corporate supporters every day,” said ARC president Marshall Butler, who received an award himself for more than 35 years of service.

About the Greater Richmond ARC

In partnership with families, the Greater Richmond ARC creates life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. It is an organization created by families, for families; an organization that has grown to provide a continuum of programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan.

The Greater Richmond ARC provides a variety of innovative services and programs designed to meet the needs of its clients and their families. Their services span the lifecycle and assist people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to live happy, successful and meaningful lives. Their core areas of service include Infant and Child Development Services. Afterschool and Day Support Services, ARC Industrial Services and Camp Baker Services, a full-service respite and camp facility.

For more information, visit www.RichmondARC.org.