Newsletter Vol. 4
True to APF’s mission for 40 years
For 40 years, Anchor Program Fund, Inc. and the Town of Hempstead have worked together to run and maintain programs and special activities/events that benefit thousands of children and adults with disabilities.
On behalf of the Anchor Program Fund, Inc. Board of Directors, I’d like to congratulate the Town of Hempstead on the 50th Anniversary of A.N.C.H.O.R and thank the many TOH employees and volunteers who have made A.N.C.H.O.R the wonderful resource it is today for thousands of children and adults with disabilities living in the town.
My son, Matthew, and I have been part of the Anchor family for 18 years. In 2017, I joined the Board for Anchor Program Fund, Inc. (APF), and I’m honored to serve as its Treasurer.
As a charitable, not-for-profit organization, APF receives - and relies on - donations to maintain funding for special activities and events, and supplies and equipment, for A.N.C.H.O.R participants.
For example, APF sponsors field trips as part of A.N.C.H.O.R’s summer camp. Regular Saturday and Adult programs, and helps to fund all Club A.N.C.H.OR dances.
We also host a number of social events for the broader A.N.C.H.OR family throughout the year, such as our annual paint day, bingo night, Halloween movie day and year-end holiday celebration.
And, last year, APF used a portion of the $75,000 grant we received to help the Town of Hempstead enhance A.N.C.H.O.R’s regular Saturday program, including trips.
Anchor Program Fund, Inc. raises money in several ways:
Direct donations
Special events (e.g. Swim-a-Thon, Beach Ball)
Parent-led fundraisers (e.g. Lord & Taylor shopping event)
Targeted grants
Online giving (e.g. AmazonSmile, Network for Good)
Thanks to the generosity of people like you - and so many dedicated A.N.C.H.O.R have the resources necessary to continue offering such a valuable service to our community of sons, daughters and loved ones.
We look forward to sharing this special milestone year with you.
Susan Cuoccio
Treasurer, Board of Directors, Anchor Program Fund, Inc.
Celebrating A.N.C.H.O.R’s 50th Anniversary in 2018
The Town of Hempstead’s A.N.C.H.OR program (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation) began in 1968 with a summer camp program at Lido Beach.
Now in it’s 50th year, A.N.C.H.O.R is a comprehensive, year-round program that serves thousands of children and adults with special needs who live in the town.
“In addition to our six-week day camp program, A.N.C.H.O.R offers a variety of recreational activities throughout the year,” said MaryAnn Hanson, A.N.C.H.O.R’s Acting Coordinator.
A.N.C.H.O.R’s winter and spring line-up includes weekday programs that help participants develop socialization and community living skills, such as bowling, swimming, drama and sports, as well as weekend classes in art, music and drama led by educators, specialists, paraprofessionals and volunteers.
“Camp A.N.C.H.O.R is a magical place and wonderful community for our sons, daughters and loved ones,” said Amy Makar, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Anchor Program Fund, Inc.
Makar’s son, Dan, has participated in the summer camp program since 1981. He’s still a camper and also enjoy's A.N.C.H.O.R’s art, drama and bowling programs.
The Town of Hempstead provides the staffing, space and equipment needed to run A.N.C.H.O.R. It is further supported by Anchor Program Fund, Inc., a charitable nonprofit that receives donations to fund special activities and events, as well as the necessary supplies and equipment, for A.N.C.H.O.R participants (and their families).
Established in 1978 by a group of parents, APF celebrates 40 years of operation and partnerships with the Town of Hempstead in 2018.
Volunteers are essential to A.N.C.H.O.R’s success. To apply, call 516-431-6946.
Dozens enjoy APF’s Family Paint Day
Anchor Program Fund, Inc. (APF) hosted its annual Family Paint Day in January at the Malone-Mulhall Recreation Center.
“This is always a popular event,” said Lisa David, an active parent-volunteer and APF’s outgoing Board secretary. “And it was great to see so many families at the recreation center socializing and having fun.”
APF sponsors a variety of special activities and events for A.N.C.H.O.R families throughout the year. Upcoming family events include Bingo Night (April 27) and a Square Dance (June 2).
With the exception of field trips, most activities are held at the Malone-Mulhall Recreation Center, and some include a nominal free to help offset the cost of supplies, refreshments, and transportation.