2024 One Step Forward Celebration

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Created by The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties

OSFC 2024 Logo - Save the Date - 1

The Arc 2024 One Step Forward Celebration Thursday, May 16, 2024Benefitting The Arc's Advocacy Department

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties (The Arc) is delighted to announce the return of the 2024 One Step Forward Celebration, an inclusive awards gala in the Lehigh Valley that celebrates and honors individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), their families, advocates, and inclusive businesses.

The One Step Forward Celebration serves as a platform to recognize the achievements, resilience, and successes of local children and adults with IDD, as well as the dedicated families and inclusive local businesses that play an essential role in fostering an inclusive community in the Lehigh Valley. This year's event will take place on May 16, 2024, at the DeSales University Conference Center.

The 2024 Celebration will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring the event's renowned silent auction and a wine wall. Following dinner at 6:00 p.m., the evening's highlight will be the award ceremony commencing at 7:00 p.m., where five distinguished guests will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the Lehigh Valley community.

Last year, The Arc raised over $70,000 through the One Step Forward Celebration, enabling them to advocate for and provide essential services to local individuals with IDD and their families. They aim to surpass this achievement in 2024. All proceeds from the One Step Forward Celebration will support The Arc’s Advocacy Department, which works to advocate for, educate, and provide free-of-charge resources and support to individuals with IDD and their families through one-on-one advocacy and resource coordination.

The Advocacy Department plays a critical role in the Lehigh Valley by offering support to hundreds of children and adults with IDD and their families as they navigate challenges related to the special education system, waiver system, the transition to adulthood, and more. As the region's exclusive provider of high-quality, completely free resource coordination services, education, and individual advocacy support for people with IDD, The Arc often serves as the first point of contact for families seeking guidance.

Notably, The Advocacy Department does not receive any government funding, making events like the One Step Forward Celebration crucial in ensuring that individuals with IDD have access to the necessary free resources, support, and advocacy guidance required to live fully inclusive lives.

To learn more about the 2024 One Step Forward Celebration, nominate someone for an award, register to attend, purchase a sponsorship or program advertisement, or make a donation in support of The Arc and the 2023 One Step Forward Celebration, please visit www.arcoflehighnorthampton.org/osfc2024. For additional information, please contact Lori Gallagher, Director of Fundraising, at lgallagher@arcoflehighnorthampton.org or 610-849-8076, ext. 314.