Community Comes Together to Support Able2 at 2026 Brushstrokes in Blue Fundraiser

Able2’s annual Spring fundraiser, Brushstrokes in Blue, was held on Friday June 12^th at the Elmira Country Club with an at capacity attendance. The evening kicked off before 6:00 PM with guests checking in and dropping their tickets in a door prize entry box.

Attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while being entertained with the smooth sounds of live jazz performed by the CH Jazz Quintet.  The fundraising event once again showcased artwork created by individuals that Able2 supports. The art was available for purchase via a donation of choice.

Guests were also able to participate in the popular wine pull and two different raffles with winners announced at the end of the evening.  Two large ticket raffle items included a pair of Premium New York Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles Tickets, donated by Able2’s COO Cara Starkweather and a Designer Sterling Silver bracelet, donated by LAGOS Jewelry.

Prior to the main dining, Able2’s CEO, William Wasserman, spoke to those in attendance and included podium remarks acknowledging our 2026 Sponsors and Business Donors as well as the different ways to support Able2 during the evening.

Sara Lattin, Chief of Staff at the Office of Senator Tom O’Mara, followed with special remarks, presenting a Legislative Proclamation to individuals at our Westlake Residence. The individuals at Westlake were special guests of honor that evening, accompanied by Jamie Ross, Residential Manager and Skyler Ervay, Residential Instructor at Able2.

The Proclamation recognized their outstanding artistry and power of example.

The Legislative Proclamation, also signed by Assemblyman Christopher Friend and Assemblyman Philip Palmesano, added meaning and momentum to the event, and we are thankful for the time and support Sara added to Able2. The proclamation was a highlight of the evening and underscored the importance of the work we are doing in the community.  

We thank our event Sponsors & Donors and raffle, wine & spirit donors. The support of each contributes to the success of the night!

Thank you also to Copy Express for printing our 2026 posters and tickets, Horseheads Printing for donating our Sponsorship signs for the event, the CH Jazz Quintet for once again providing our musical entertainment and to the Elmira Country Club for hosting and staffing our event.

Another special thank you to Tessa Chilson, Director of Environmental and Fleet Services and her Maintenance Team, including Malachi Carson and Jared Sullivan for transporting the special Able2 mural from the Arnot Mall to the Country Club and back that day.

We also want to thank Leisa Alger, Director of Strategic Projects, for the incredible effort she put into organizing the art display this year, featuring works by those at Westlake and others that Able2 supports, spearheaded by Jennifer Kreager’s artistic direction. Her dedication and care were evident in every aspect of the presentation, and it truly made a meaningful impact, raising over $740 in art sales.

Providing a platform for these artists to share their creativity and talents is both inspiring and important. The exhibit not only showcased beautiful and powerful artwork, but also helped foster appreciation, inclusion, and understanding within our community. Her commitment to highlighting these voices and celebrating their abilities does not go unnoticed.

It created an experience that was both moving and memorable for everyone who attended. Kara Teribury, Payroll Specialist at Alliance for Empowerment assisted Leisa with the Art Display and we want to thank them both for their time, passion, and thoughtful work in bringing this display to life.

Brushstrokes in Blue would not be possible without our Fundraising Committee: Mary Ellen Allington, Purchasing Specialist, Stephanie Ridosh, Executive Assistant, Kara Teribury, Payroll Specialist, and William Wasserman, Chief Executive Officer, all with Alliance of Empowerment; Maria Elston, Director of Day Supports at Able2, and our committed Board Members: John Kohena, Casey Mallow and Rita McCabe.

All funds raised from Brushstrokes in Blue will go directly to Able2.

For more information about future fundraisers, please follow Abel2's event webpage here.

For All Able2 updates, please follow their Facebook page here.

Able2's next main fundraiser will be its 7th Guts & Grit 5K and 1-Mile Walk that is being held on Sunday, October 11th at Eldridge Park.