Michael and Janine Richmond, owners of White Electric, were honored as the 2018 recipients of the Replogle Family Award last Thursday evening at the fourth annual Replogle Family Award Dinner Dance to benefit The Arc of Indian River County.

The presentation took place at the Grand Harbor Golf Club, where supporters of the nonprofit also enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before sitting down to a delicious dinner and entertainment by vocalists Tony and Holly.

On behalf of her fellow board members, Mary Beth Vallar presented the award, noting that it was named after the organization’s founder, Mary Ellen Replogle, and her family for their continued contributions to people in the community with special needs. For more than three decades the Replogle family has hosted Ocean Grill Night on the second Tuesday of May, donating net profits for the evening to provide much-needed funding to The Arc.

“This award enables us to honor outstanding individuals for their longtime service to The Arc. These people give unreservedly of their talent, treasure and time to the cause,” said Vallar. She noted that the Richmonds have served The Arc in various capacities for more than 20 years and, through their business, have contributed in-kind donations to numerous Arc building projects.

A highlight of the evening was an exuberant performance by The Arc Chorus, singing and signing songs from 1975, the year the nonprofit was founded.

Janice Paider said she was very appreciative of the support The Arc has provided to her son, John Blank, who will soon turn 40 years old.

“He’s been there on and off; now he’s been there about six years,” said Paider. “I was very sick and could not take care of him. They did. They kind of saved my life. He’s now a permanent resident in the brand-new home. He works in maintenance at The Arc, he has a companion and a life coach, he’s in Special Olympics, he goes bowling – he’s very busy and he’s very, very happy.”

Heather Dales said The Arc provides services to a very wide age range, currently ages 15 to 82. Although primarily for adults, they do have programs for transitioning students.

Dales, who was appointed as CEO of The Arc in September, started her affiliation with the organization in January 2000 as a member of the direct care staff. She credits her longevity to the “very honest and heartfelt” people they serve.

“They like you for you,” said Dales. “And they really appreciate all the little things.”

Their clients are individuals impacted by Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental and/or traumatic brain disabilities. Services include adult education and recreation, youth outreach, behavior analysis services and behavior assistant services, residential group homes, supported living services, in-home support and personal care assistance, transportation, supported employment and respite care.

Funding support is critical. Information they provided noted that Florida ranks 50 out of 51 (inclusive of Washington, D.C.) in terms of reimbursement rates. Even worse, the Florida legislature has set current rates at 11 percent less than those of 2003, for the same services.

For more information, visit arcir.org.