Five Citizens Teams Make Top Fundraisers at Annual AHRC Foundation Walk
Agency Raises Over $100,000 to Support New York’s I/DD community
The Citizens Options Unlimited community joined with over 1,000 walkers to raise more than $100,000 for the Annual AHRC Foundation Walk benefiting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) on October 29.
“My goal this year was to put Citizens on the map and create a movement,” said Jerry Powers, Director of Residential Services, whose team, the Powers’ Walkers, was Citizens top fundraising team raising nearly $10,000. “For me, the walk is a time where I get to see everyone I’ve known for the past 25 years, like the people I used to support when I was a house manager.”
Citizens Board members were also leading the fundraising teams. Top fundraiser for 2023 was board member, Michael Ross who raised over $5,100 for Team Rugby Road. Sydney Ross accepted the award from Tom Moore, AHRC Foundation Board Member. New Citizens’ Board member Leng Lao, raised more than $2,500 in support of Team House 30 and her son, Tyler Lao. Read more about Leng and Tyler’s story. 
First time and top family fundraiser Team Kevin Hoey was inspired by Kevin who lives in the Shoreham ICF. Spearheaded by his sister, Katherine Hoey, Team Kevin Hoey brought together friends and family of the extended Hoey family to raise $2,200. Read more about Kevin’s story.
The event was DJed by John Ginther, who is supported by Citizens Self-Direction Services.