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The Arc of the Capital Area July Newsletter
In This Issue
Golf Tournament
Martha's Story
Upcoming Events
Quick Links...

DONOR LIST


ABC Home and
Commercial Services

Amanda Sterett Design, LLC

Antonelli's Cheese Shop

Art On 5th

Austin Pathology Associates

Bailey Elliott Construction, Inc.

Barbara Wilt

Becky Willard

Ben Blocker

Berry Creek Country Club

Bess Bistro

Beverly Shivers

Bill Ebs

Bill Pollard

Blazer Tag Adventure Center

BMW Of Austin

Bob Stern

Brian Cano

Capitol City Comedy Club

Capstar Lending, LLC

Castle Hill Fitness

Catherine Nicole

Charles Ashley

Charles Colley

Charlie Crenshaw

Craig DuBois

Craig McCoy

Discount Electronics

Draco Services- Gordon Israel

Driftwood Estate Winery

Erica Haring

Frost Bank

Gardner Atkinson

Geraldine Mosher

Girl Scout Troop 941

Gwena Cearley

Hector and Ashley Sanchez

Henry Hervol

 Holthouse Foundation For Kids

James and June Boyce

Jean Fox

Jesse and Linda Averett

John and Amanda Carsey

John Austin

Joseph and Williams, Evan Williams Managing Partner

June Cook

Keith and Alice Maxie

Lake Travis Thrft Shop

Lewis Little - Harden Healthcare

Lola Wright Foundation

Magnolia Cafe

Marc Worob

Marriott Austin Downtown

Martin and Marianne Rochelle

Mike Hatch

Milk+Honey

Minton, Burton, Foster & Collins - David and Sylvia Minton

Pamela E Zeigler

Pat Lochrie

Patrick Dentler

Peter and Elisa Holmertz

PMB Helin Donovan

Raquel Canizales

Robert W. and M. Gail Hughes Living Trust

Rod Coffin

Sean McDonald

Serge and Kerry Ugarte

Sharon Harris

Statefarm Insurance

Stephen and Kay White

Steve Chapman

Super Shuttle and
ExecuCar Of Austin

Susan Dawson
Susan Eason
Tammy Saileanu
Templeton Fund -
Todd Templeton

Terrell and Ann Jackson
Texas Bar Foundation
Thoughtful House
Tom Beck
Touchstone Golf LLC
Travis County Women Lawyers' Foundation
United Heritage Credit Union
Westbank Dry Cleaning

William and Karen Stone

William M Murphy

Zelda Cook

BB

"Building Bridges" Art Celebration & Auction Tickets NOW on sale and going fast!

Wednesday, October 5 - 6pm

Hilton Austin Downtown (500 E. 4th St.)

WEBSITE


Celebrate the passion, love and great achievements of all artists with and without disabilities. With more than 100 pieces of professionally framed artwork, numerous exciting auction packages and a prestigious dinner, "Building Bridges" has become "the must attend art event in Austin."   

 

Buy your tickets now!

The Arc of the Capital Area 2011 Golf Classic
Golf LogoThe weather was wonderful with a nice breeze in the air ... a GREAT time was had by all at The Arc's Annual Golf Classic. Best of all, we met our financial goal! Thank you to all those who participated and sponsored this wonderful event. A special thanks to JD Torian and Austin's Pizza for donating dinner and to Draco Services-Gordon Israel for sponsoring lunch by Which Wich.

WINNERS:

1st Place

Players: JD Torain, Ned Torian, Richard Savage, Matt DeLorenzo

2nd Place

Players: Serge Ugarte, Tom Beck, Julia Beck, Joe Beck

3rd Place

Players: Ryan Brady, Adam Marshall, Jordan Schmidt, Beau Edge

Introducing New Board Member Steve Skarnulis
steve

What is your professional background?

I started in the restaurant business, owning and managing restaurants in Austin and eventually moving to Atlanta. But when we found out that my wife Libba and I were having twins, we made a big life change. We moved back to Texas to be near family, and I went to Baylor Law School. Now, I'm a commercial litigator (trial lawyer for businesses), and partner in Cain & Skarnulis, LLP, a small firm of four lawyers. We are dedicated to our work, but we also know better than to take ourselves too seriously.  

 

What  brought you to The Arc and why did you choose to be on our board?

My father, Ed Skarnulis, always worked in the social work field, and his specialization was in intellectual disabilities. So, growing up, we helped at Arc events in Omaha, Nebraska. I even sold honey door to door as an annual fundraiser! So it was a natural fit for me and my family.  

 

What do you hope to focus on during your time on the board?

I'm on the development committee so I am focusing on fundraising-which is always critical. I want to help get a base of corporate and business donors to provide the Arc security against changes in public funding sources. I also want my 11 year old twins, Quinn and Carver, to have opportunities to help.

 

What do you do for fun?

Our family loves the beach and the mountains, but in Austin, we love a cruise on the lake during the heat of summer.

 

What's your favorite band or movie?

My favorite band is Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Fun, old-school R&B meets 2011 indie rock.  

 

Favorite trip you have been on?

My wife, Libba and I went on a barge trip through the Burgundy region of France years ago-it was luxurious, lazy and very European. We'll recreate that trip some time.   

 

Martha's Story

martha  Who hasn't had a problem that felt so big that
  they didn't even know where to start?

 

   Martha first met The Arc through a friend of hers  

   who was receiving services. At first glance, Martha  seemed to be doing well. She lived in low-income housing downtown and seemed to be getting by. Jordan, one of The Arc of the Capital Area's Case Managers started working with Martha. 

   As Jordan got to know Martha, he started catching glimpses of the chaos that was taking over her life. As the story unfolded, we discovered that Martha was struggling with her health and had developed a great deal of unmanaged debt as a result of her medical condition. Without any family around, she felt like she didn't have anywhere to turn for help.

  A great deal of what our Adult Case Management Department does is assisting clients with locating services in the community, that they would not find on their own. And that is just what Jordan did.

   Jordan helped Martha find an attendant that she could afford.  Now her attendant comes 2-3 times a week and offers her much needed medical support. She is now receiving assistance from Meal on Wheels and More and is finding support and friendship at Adult Case Management Social Events.

   Jordan and Martha also got help from Foundation Communities, an agency that provides one-on-one financial coaching, and they were able to reduce the debt by over $1000. Jordan is helping Martha and they are working toward a more financially-stable future.    

    There are still moments that feel overwhelming for Martha, but we are working toward a solution and a more peaceful life.  

Upcoming Events

"The Dog Days of Summer" Arc of the Arts Gallery Open House

August 3rd · 6pm-8pm


Location: Arc of the Arts Studio and Gallery: 6717 Burnet Road.


"The Dog Days of Summer" is the theme of the August gallery open house. Free admission and light refreshments.
 

Building Bridges 2011

 Bridges on BlueBuilding Bridges to Paradise

 Wednesday, October 5 - 6:00pm

 Hilton Austin Downtown (500 E. 4th St.)   

 

   Paradise is often considered a place or

   feeling of great happiness, and holds a unique meaning for each of us. For our adults and children with developmental disabilities, paradise may simply be a visit from their mentor, an organized bowling night, or the chance to create their masterpiece.

   This year's event explores the theme of paradise and brings the community together to fulfill the dreams of so many deserving people. "Building Bridges" allows Arc artists to personally showcase their artwork alongside renowned regional artists. The highlight of the evening will be two selected Arc artists painting their personal vision of paradise.

   The funds raised assist us in providing emotional, social, financial, and educational support to thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives. Our commitment to these special people is infinite.

   The livelihood of our organization depends upon your generosity. Please make your tax-deductible contribution today by becoming an event sponsor, giving a scholarship, or attending the event.

Thank you for your support, and we'll see you in paradise.