Press Releases

    Elaine Cox named Philanthropist of the Year by Ability Beyond Disability

    Ridgefield resident recognized for outstanding support to the organization

     BETHEL, Conn., October 28, 2008 - You can often find Elaine Cox hanging out an Ability Beyond Disability residence in Ridgefield - bringing the six guys that live there a new flat screen TV in the winter, or a new patio set in the summer, or just simply stopping by to say hello.  That's because Cox, a resident of Ridgefield herself, does more than just support Ability Beyond Disability through the donation of funds, she chooses to get intimately involved in the organization and the people it serves.

    That is why she was the recipient of an Outstanding Community Service Award and named Philanthropist of the Year by Ability Beyond Disability at its annual Celebration of Ability meeting on October 15.

    "Elaine is someone who truly wants to make a difference and we are very fortunate to have her as a supporter of our organization," said Greg Bastek, Director of Development at Ability Beyond Disability. "She does so much more than provide financial support, she opens her heart and devotes her time and energy to those who need it most and she does it all without the desire for recognition.  Best of all, she believes in instilling these qualities in younger generations and encourages her children to get involved and give back to their community as often as possible."  

    Other outstanding community service award recipients were: Outstanding Employer, Sodexo and Pepsi Bottling Group; Outstanding Employee, Jessica Forgione, Diane Strom and Jeff Tomascak.  The organization also welcomed new Board members: Paul Hamilton of the Board of Directors and John Arcario, Greg Moore and Jordan Young of the Board of Trustees.  Hamilton and Young are both residents of Ridgefield.

    Ability Beyond Disability is a 501{c} (3) organization headquartered in Bethel, Conn. and Mount Kisco, N.Y. It provides a wide range of services for approximately 1,000 people with a disability that inhibits their activities of daily living -- including numerous residential alternatives, employment training, career counseling, job placement services, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational activities. Today, its services extend far beyond the Danbury community into much of Connecticut and the Hudson Valley, New York. For more information about Ability Beyond Disability go to www.abilitybeyonddisability.org.
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