The Arc of Chester County honored key businesses and individuals at the recent 2022 Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony that championed the mission of assisting individuals with disabilities.

Awardees were selected for going above and beyond in their support and advocacy of individuals with disabilities, and their families.

Six outstanding members and organizations were recognized by The Arc of Chester County’s Board President, Matthew Holliday, and Chief Executive Officer, Jeanne Meikrantz with the following 2022 distinguished awards:

Corporate Partner of the Year Award:  Your Office Connection. The Arc of Chester County Corporate Partner of the Year Award honors a local organization that has significantly enhanced the Arc’s mission, through its dedicated support and loyal partnership.

Your Office Connections’ support was year-round from sponsorship of The Arc’s Annual Walk & Fun Day signature event to supporting the office’s many and unique needs during the ongoing challenges of the pandemic helping to keep Arc participants and staff healthy and safe.

Agnes Grady Chesko Family of the Year Award: The Pettia Family. The Arc of Chester County Agnes Grady Chesko Family of the Year Award honors an outstanding family whose care for their children and assistance to other Arc families, and support of The Arc’s mission sets an extraordinary example of love, loyalty, and dedicated advocacy.

This award was presented to an Arc of Chester County family who has loyally donated to The Arc since 2015. 

Chris Pettia serves on the Development & Community Relations Committee, and as a family, they raised nearly $1,000 from their peer-to-peer fundraising efforts for the Arc’s Annual Walk & Fun Day.  The Arc was proud to honor the Pettia Family with the Family of the Year Award.

The Arc of Chester County Ruth Wood Philanthropic Leadership Award recognizes outstanding dedication, commitment, and a proven track record of philanthropic leadership.

This annual award was named after founder Ruth Wood and was established in honor of her 60-year legacy of advocating and fighting for the rights of people with disabilities.

Kathy and Fred Hoge were recognized for their nearly three decades of generosity and support, which has been integral in the growth and success of The Arc’s essential and life-sustaining services.

Fred served as a board member for many years and helped to raise the capital funds to build and open the facility at 900 Lawrence Drive in 2002.

President’s Award: Stephen Potts, Esq. The Arc of Chester County President’s Award honors a local corporation or individual that has significantly enhanced the Arc mission, through dedicated support and loyal partnership. Long-time Arc supporter and Immediate Past President, Stephen Potts, Esq. was the recipient of this distinguished award for his outstanding, continuous 13-year service on the Board of Directors.

Steve has volunteered at The Arc since he was a young man, following in the footsteps of his parents.  He provides in-kind services through educational Chat n’ Chews Training, served on multiple committees over the years and has served as Second Vice President, First Vice President, President and for the last two years, the Immediate Past President.  Steve was instrumental in helping The Arc navigate through the pandemic during his tenure as President and Immediate Past President. 

Employer of the Year: Bistro on Bridge. The Arc of Chester County’s Employer of the Year Award honors an exemplary employer that demonstrates commitment to a diverse and inclusive company culture. Bistro on Bridge in Phoenixville was recognized for its proactive hiring of an Arc participant in its Comprehensive Employment Services program who was a patron.  Their kindness, compassion, and commitment to individuals with disabilities by recognizing their patron’s talents and abilities by hiring them showed their outstanding dedication to an inclusive work environment.  The Arc was proud to honor Bistro on Bridge with the 2022 Employer of Year Award. 

Employee of the Year: Kerri Walton. Each year, Arc employees nominate a team member to receive the Employee of the Year Award for outstanding service to the organization, its participants, and the team.  Kerri Walton was awarded the 2022 Employee of the Year.  Kerri came to the Arc in December of 2013 and is serving as its Database Administrator.  Her many nominations described her as positive, helpful, dedicated, committed and fun! 

“It was truly an honor to come together in person and virtually to recognize such incredible generosity, loyalty, and dedication. This year’s awardees are exemplary recipients. The Arc is truly grateful to be the beneficiary of their dedication and support and we are thrilled to be able to honor them in this special way,” said Board President, Matt Holliday.

“Many of these recipients have been a part of our Arc family for decades and we are so touched by their generous spirit and deep compassion for individuals with disabilities in our community,” said Meikrantz. “We continue to work hard through our advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels for increased funding, but it is our donors, volunteers, staff, and partners who go above and beyond to ensure that we are providing the best care and services to the individuals and families we support. Tonight, we are proud to be able to honor and recognize just a few of them.” 

About The Arc of Chester County

The mission of The Arc of Chester County: To advocate, educate, and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives.

The Arc’s programs and services enhance quality of life by preparing individuals with the skills and support they need for living in the community and speaking up for their rights. Today, The Arc serves nearly 3,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families each year through the provision of a lifetime of services beginning at birth and extending through a person’s life.

Find out more about The Arc of Chester County’s programs and services, or make a donation and help support individuals with disabilities and their families.