ARC of Buncombe County Hosts Annual Appreciation Luncheon

Special awards and presentations were given to Dianne Roos, Vicky Bricker, and Al Whitesides.

Linda McDaniel, Executive Director of the ARC of Buncombe County, along with Jason Boyer, of WLOS, TV-13. Photo: Chris Cassels Photography
Linda McDaniel, Executive Director of the ARC of Buncombe County, along with Jason Boyer, of WLOS, TV-13. Photo: Chris Cassels Photography

The Arc of Buncombe County hosted its annual meeting and awards luncheon June 8, 2022 at the Mission/AB Tech Health Conference Center in Asheville.

Executive Director Linda McDaniel welcomed attendees, including EmCee Jason Boyer, Chief Meteorologist for WLOS-TV-13.

Keynote speaker Kenneth Bausell, Manager of the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid Division, presented in-depth and valuable resource information for those seeking services in group home case management as well as state service providers. Bausell has more than 15 years of experience in the field of Intellectual Developmental Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injuries.

An honored guest, John Nash, Executive Director of the ARC of North Carolina, also shared insight into the opportunities available to caregivers.

Special awards and presentations were given to Dianne Roos, Buncombe County Schools; Vicky Bricker, Asheville City Schools; and Al Whitesides, who received the ARC Board Service Award. In addition, St. Gerard House of Hendersonville was recognized for outstanding services for minor dependents and adults living with autism in WNC.

Patricia Simpson. Photo: Chris Cassels
Patricia Simpson. Photo: Chris Cassels

Appreciation testimonies were delivered by Patricia Simpson and other IDD caregivers who receive services from the ARC of Buncombe County.

The Arc of Buncombe County employs advocacy, education, programming, and family support to empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can realize their highest potential. Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing Company, is board chairman.