The Arc Mercer Celebrates 2025 Annual Fall Gala

The Arc Mercer hosted its 2025 Annual Fall Gala at the Stone Terrace in Hamilton, bringing together staff, families, community partners, and dedicated supporters for an evening of celebration, gratitude, and mission-driven storytelling. This year’s gala raised an extraordinary $301,000, a testament to the community’s belief in the agency’s life-changing work and its commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

These vital funds will directly support the programs, services, and innovations that continue to expand opportunities for those served throughout Mercer County.

An Evening of Unity and Celebration

Guests were welcomed with a lively cocktail hour, reconnecting with colleagues, friends, and long-standing supporters of the agency. Conversations centered on progress made over the past year, from growth in mission-critical services to innovative vocational, residential, therapeutic, and community-based programs.

After guests took their seats, Executive Director Steve Cook opened the evening with heartfelt remarks acknowledging the dedicated workforce, the families who trust and inspire the agency, and the community partners who help drive the mission forward. The atmosphere reflected both celebration and gratitude, highlighting the collective effort that sustains the Arc Mercer’s ongoing work.

Honoring Those Who Make a Difference

Each year, the gala features a special ceremony recognizing exceptional achievements across the Arc Mercer community. This year’s honorees embodied dedication, compassion, and impact in service to individuals with IDD.

Community Partnership Award – Bill Wagner

Presented by Associate Executive Director Yasmin Qazilbash

The Community Partnership Award honored Bill Wagner, a deeply valued partner whose expertise, kindness, and commitment have transformed the agency’s farming initiatives. When the Arc Mercer acquired its two farms, the vision was clear, but bringing that vision to life required someone who understood the land, the community, and the heart behind the mission.

Farmer Bill guided the agency from day one, offering wisdom on farming practices and regulations, helping translate technical concepts, making in-kind repairs, improving the properties, and welcoming Arc Mercer adults to learn, observe, and participate in the harvest. His partnership has produced far more than crops, it has created opportunities for purpose, connection, and joy.

Rising Star of the Year – Michael Kostuk

Presented by Kirk Ponton, Director of Community Based Day Program

The Rising Star of the Year Award was presented to Michael Kostuk of the Campus Day Program. Michael’s warm spirit, bright smile, and unwavering kindness uplift everyone around him. Each morning, before even stepping out of his vehicle, Michael radiates positivity that sets the tone for the day.

He greets peers and staff with genuine enthusiasm, listens attentively to others, and consistently seeks ways to help. Michael embodies the values that make the Arc Mercer extraordinary, inclusion, kindness, and service. His impact is felt daily, making him an inspiring choice for this year’s award.

Employee of the Year – Arinze Iloke

Presented by Board President Maria Fischer

The Douglas Van Deusen Employee of the Year Award was presented to Arinze Iloke, a dedicated professional in the Special Needs Day Program. In just over a year, Arinze has made a profound impression on staff, consumers, and leadership alike.

Nominated by BDSP Naldia Pyle, Arinze was praised for his consistent willingness to support consumers, his responsiveness in every situation, and his exceptional flexibility, especially in managing transportation needs with great care. His positive mindset creates a welcoming and uplifting environment that resonates deeply with consumers. Arinze’s presence strengthens the entire program, making him a deserving recipient of this honor.

Lifesaver Award – Crystal Mercer

Presented by Jean Miller, Chief Operations Officer

This year introduced a brand-new honor: the Lifesaver Award, presented to Crystal Mercer, a shift manager in the Residential Program. Crystal performed a textbook-perfect Heimlich maneuver during a critical emergency, saving the life of a consumer in her care.

Her quick thinking, training, and composure exemplified the highest standard of professionalism and compassion. The Lifesaver Award recognizes extraordinary action taken in a moment when it mattered most.

Team Impact Award – Dority Bernard

The Dawn Carmosino Team Impact of the Year Award was presented to Dority Bernard, BDSP at Avalon, for her remarkable advocacy, leadership, and commitment to uplifting mission-critical staff. Dority was previously recognized earlier in the year for her grassroots efforts to support colleagues in securing equitable access to the agency’s top-tier 401(k) plan. She invested personal time, outside of her scheduled hours, to educate peers, rally support, and build unity.

Her dedication to strengthening the workforce reflects the true spirit of the Team Impact Award: going above and beyond to support others, foster equity, and champion the agency’s mission.

Celebrating Future Leaders: Beverly Roberts Memorial Scholarships

This year, the Arc Mercer proudly recognized two outstanding interns with the Beverly J. Roberts Memorial Scholarships, honoring emerging professionals who demonstrate exceptional promise in serving individuals with IDD.

Kylie Hinds – Georgian Court University

Kylie joined the agency as a first-year social work intern and made an immediate impact in the Day Program. Her reliability, compassion, and natural ability to connect with consumers distinguished her from the start. Kylie consistently brought warmth, positivity, and a deep sense of care to her work, making every consumer feel valued.

Faith Orozco – Holy Family University

Faith entered her internship with extensive experience in the IDD field. Her strong background in behavior supports enriched her therapy sessions and strengthened the services she provided. Faith went above and beyond, creating communication boards, offering hands-on support at OTC, and building trusting relationships with consumers and families. Her dedication and heart were evident in every interaction.

A Night That Strengthened the Future

The 2025 Annual Fall Gala concluded with excitement, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to the agency’s mission. Supporters left inspired by the achievements of the past year and the extraordinary individuals recognized throughout the evening.

The Arc Mercer extends appreciation to all attendees, donors, partners, honorees, and staff whose continued belief in the mission makes each year stronger than the last. The success of this event, and the remarkable $301,000 raised, reflects a community united in ensuring individuals with IDD receive the opportunities, care, and support they deserve.

The evening was a powerful reminder that when compassion, dedication, and community come together, extraordinary things grow.