Geraldine Byrd Story was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award for her years of championing those with developmental disabilities at the Greater Richmond ARC Annual Awards and Recognition Banquet on November 21, 2014, at ARCenter, its headquarters on Saunders Avenue.
Geraldine Story was among seven African-American parents who requested and then planned Richmond City Schools’ first education classroom for children with special needs at the Baker School in 1961. She also served as a longtime educator in the city school system and on ARC’s Board of Directors since 1975, retiring this year.
More than 200 people attended the banquet which was emceed by Lite 98’s Kat Simons.
Award highlights included Pocahontas State Park receiving Vendor of the Year for partnering with Camp Baker Services to provide summertime boating opportunities for persons with disabilities; Annual Fund Director Nita Starr named Employee of the Year in recognition of her outstanding work ethic and empathy; and the family of the Judith Haskell Brewer Foundation Fund receiving Philanthropist of the Year as the first and largest supporter of the ARCpark, a 2.4 acre recreation area slated to open in 2015 that will provide fun and fitness for all ages and abilities.
ARC Individual of Year award recipients included: Jack Jones, Specialized Services; Trey Dolan, Camp Baker Day Support Services; Tyler Alexander, Camp Baker After School Services; Steven Jordan, Camp Baker Summer Camp; Corey Waddell, Camp Baker Respite Services; Portia Coleman, ARC Industrial Services- Vocational Community Program; Raymond Ricks, ARC Industrial Services- Production Facility; Pamela Aultman, ARC Industrial Services- Off-site/Federal Contracts; Darral Charity, Saunders After School Services; and Robert Longest, Saunders Day Support Services.
Sharon Logan was named Family/Caregiver of the Year; William Miles was Case Manager of the Year; and Sherri Lewis was Volunteer of the Year.
ARC employee recognition awards included:
Team Players of the Year Joe Lannetti, Larry Henry and Cara Coffman for their consistent “willingness to help everyone in which they cross paths.”
Dream Maker of the Year Emily Lehmann for “blazing new trails” in the array of services provided to those with disabilities throughout ARC.
Family Partner of the Year Lillian Lowery-Copeland for working with the community to “ensure ARC services and programs are known to everyone.”
“It’s important to take a moment every year and reflect on progress and the achievements of those around you,” said Marshall Butler, president of the Greater Richmond ARC.
