On June 12, the AHRC Foundation celebrated its 75th Annual Rose Ball at Oheka Castle—a wonderful evening honoring decades of advocacy, generosity, and partnership within the Long Island intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community. The event raised over $340,000 to support programs and services, including those led by AHRC Nassau.
“This evening, we don’t just raise a glass—we raise expectations,” said Tom Rosicki, President of the AHRC Foundation Board of Directors and Master of Ceremonies. “Because there’s always more we can do to support children and adults with developmental disabilities. Tonight, we celebrate partnership, possibility, and people.”
Tom Moore, Rose Ball Chairman and AHRC Nassau Board Member, also shared his thanks. “A successful evening like this reflects something much deeper—it reflects a community that shows up and stands together for the people we support. Thank you for making this mission your own.”
The Rose Ball also welcomed artists and staff from the East Meadow Art Gallery, who displayed their beautiful works throughout the cocktail reception. Special thanks to artist Richard Infante, who opened the evening’s program with Grace.
Tricia Desiderio, AHRC Nassau Board Member, joined Andrea Fierstein to present the Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award to Trishta Ramphul, who is pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education at Bank Street College of Education. Trishta currently serves as a Teaching Assistant at Brookville Center for Children’s Services – Marcus Avenue Preschool. The award supports people pursuing an advanced degree in special education and is named in memory of long-time AHRC Nassau Board Member Blanche Fierstein.
This year’s honorees included Joshua Lamberg, CEO and Founder of Signers National | Lamb Insurance Services, who received the 2025 Leadership Award, and the Long Island Wine & Liquor Sales Club, the recipient of the inaugural Cornerstone Award for its nearly 80 years of sustained generosity and support.
It was an evening filled with gratitude and celebration—one that reaffirmed AHRC Nassau’s commitment to the people we support and the shared future we’re building together.