Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
All aboard for a journey of inclusion at The Arc Nassau’s second annual gala.
The nonprofit organization hosts “ARCOT Gala 2025: It’s A Special World After All” Sept. 12 at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds in Callahan. Guests will have the opportunity to explore 15 countries, each showcasing its unique culture, inclusion, and diversity.
While immersed in cultures, attendees will enjoy live entertainment, international displays, dancing, a silent auction, an open bar, and awards recognizing Arc volunteers, employees, and community members. The “world selfie tour” will fully submerge guests in the experience with immersive backdrops and three-dimensional elements. VIP guests get the chance to enjoy fire dancing by performers who professionally dance at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando.
For VIP, the gala begins at 5 p.m. with the general public arriving at 6. VIP tickets are $100 per person and a VIP table is $1,000. General tickets are $75 per person and a general table is $750. Visit https://www.zeffy.com/.../arcot-its-a-special-world-after... to purchase gala tickets online.
To sponsor the Arc, contact Director of Marketing and Development Megan Feldman. Email her at meganfeldman@thearcnassau.org or call 904-225-9355.
The Arc Nassau offers programs and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization has flourished over the last 51 years in Nassau County, starting as a group called “Hearts and Hands.”
“It was a group of parents and caregivers that really saw a need for those services in Nassau County,” The Arc Nassau Executive Director Jennifer Paulk said.
Community partnerships remain key to the overall success of The Arc Nassau. Local sponsors include First Federal Bank, the Rotary Club, Smurfit-WestRock, Rayonier, and several churches and therapy groups.
“That level of community support and that level of inclusion, it’s remarkable, and we’re incredibly grateful,” Paulk said.
The proceeds from the gala will help expand the group’s education department with enriching summer camps and help purchase a new van for the Life Skills Development program. This program empowers individuals with skills such as personal hygiene, communication, budgeting, and job readiness.
Last year, the gala raised enough money for all students to attend Camp Always Love Learning free of charge.
Beyond the gala, The Arc Nassau also hosts community events such as Katelyn’s Ride for Autism in the spring, Teach Me To Trunk-Or-Treat Oct. 3, and a fall festival at Conner’s A-maize-ing Acres Nov. 1. All these events are not only fun for the family but bring awareness and inclusion to those within the intellectually and developmentally challenged community.
To learn more about The Arc Nassau, visit thearcnassau.org or visit The Arc Nassau on Facebook.