The annual volunteer-run event served nearly 450 individuals with developmental disabilities.
Fresh Meadows, New York, October 9th: AABR, Inc., a College Point, Queens-based non-profit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, once again partnered with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3 to give a night out on the town with dinner and dancing for those with special needs during the evening of Saturday, October 6th.
The annual event was generously sponsored by the union, and provided those with developmental disabilities a chance to attend a prom. The experience came complete with the gentlemen wearing tuxedos, ladies in ball gowns, and the provision of chauffeured limo service both to and from the venue.
“AABR was proud to work with the men and women of IBEW Local 3 to give these individuals an exciting night out,” Christopher Weldon, AABR’s executive director said. “For over a decade, the generosity of IBEW Local 3 has touched the lives of the individuals who attend the Harvest Ball.”
“This is one of the many events we lend a helping hand at. From volunteering at the Queens Special Olympics to helping to build high-tech accessible housing for veterans on Staten Island and Long Island, we strive to contribute our services when we can,” James V. Bua, IBEW Local 3 business representative, said. “Our focus on charitable work has been instilled in us from the days of Harry Van Arsdale Jr., and the tradition for helping those less fortunate continues today with Christopher Erikson, IBEW Local 3’s business manager.”
The Harvest Ball drew in a crowd of nearly 450 guests, volunteers, and individuals AABR serves, and is the focal point of the social calendar for the non-profit.
About AABR, Inc.:
AABR, Inc. is a Queens-based 501 C3 non-profit organization and is one of the largest service providers for individuals with developmental disabilities in the New York region, serving people both in New York City and Long Island. Since AABR’s founding over 60 years ago, the organization has strived to give every life meaning through the management of group residences, vocational training classes, adult day programs, and more.
About IBEW Local 3:
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3 is a labor union headquartered in Queens, New York that represents over 30,000 working people across the city. The union’s successes include the establishment of the nation’s first employer-funded pension plan for construction workers, creation of a five-hour work day, creation of cooperative housing for members—complete with childcare and a fully staffed nursery, and more. IBEW Local 3 is affiliated with the A.F.L.-C.I.O. and C.F.L. IBEW Local Union 3’s work encapsulates its motto, “in unity, there is strength.”
