The Arc Mercer celebrated “60 Years of Excellence (1949-2009)” of serving the developmentally diabled in Mercer County on Friday, November 13, at its Fall Awards Gala at the historic Trenton Masonic Temple in the capital City of Trenton. The organization presented its “Joey Damiano Community Hero Award" to Congressman Chris Smith, who led the fight to return over $107,000 in Medicare funding that the federal government had eliminated in 2009.

    “How wonderful it is to share in the celebration of Arc’s diamond anniversary event with you all tonight,” said Smith. “However, the real heroes are those of you who have overcome challenges and adversity to better your own lives. Family and friends of Arc are heroes, too. They make a true difference in lives of people. Without Arc, the world would be a different place for so many people.”

    Steven Cook, Executive Director of The Arc Mercer, and Joey Damiano presented Smith with a statue of a rising eagle for the Community Hero award, as well as model of the U.S. Capitol. Cook said the annual award recognizes heroic efforts to enrich and empower the community. The hero award was initiated after the heroic actions of Joey Damiano, a man with developmental disabilities, who turned “tragedy into triumph” in his community. After being attacked and permanently disabled by bullies, he recovered sufficiently and now gives training sessions on anti-bullying.

    “Chris Smith is not just a hero this year for the Arc Mercer, but over the years he has been a great advocate for all people with developmental disabilities,” said Cook, who told the crowd that Smith also lent his assistance in obtaining funding for work and transportation programs for The Arc Mercer. “Chris has always been a champion for all good causes. He gives a voice to people who don’t always have a voice in Washington. He is a voice for the Arc of Mercer in Washington D.C., and he puts his own beliefs in action. He has stood up for us and championed our cause every time we needed him.”

    The Fall Gala is a benefit on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities whom The Arc Mercer serves. Award recipients will provide inspiration when they explain how their lives were touched by the Arc Mercer and how they, in turn, impacted the developmentally disabled in Mercer County.

    Several other people also were given awards. The Arc Mercer Ambassador Award was presented to Geoff Morris, recognizing his commitment to the developmentally disabled through volunteerism. The Arc Mercer Consumer Spotlight Award was presented to Linda Panebianco, which recognizes the Arc Mercer consumer who displays determination, hard work and advocates for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities. And the Arc Mercer Employee of the Year Award was presented to Marian Makemson for going beyond her appointed duties in helping to empower our consumers and giving generously of her time.

Photo: Congressman Smith was presented the "Joey Damiano Community Hero Award" by The Arc Mercer Executive Director Steven Cook. From the left are Cook, Joey Damiano, Congressman Smith and Dan Antonellis, Arc Board President.

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