Bennett’s Village, a community based effort to build an all abilities playground in Charlottesville, is delighted to announce its partnership with The Arc of the Piedmont. The Arc of the Piedmont will serve as the fiduciary home of Bennett’s Village, granting us important non-profit status as well as giving us access to grants and funding that might otherwise be out of our reach. Individuals and businesses can donate to Bennett’s Village, knowing that we are connected to an organization that has been advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the greater Charlottesville community for nearly 60 years. Together, Bennett’s Village and The Arc of the Piedmont, will succeed in creating a multi-generational, all-abilities playground that will become a place, not just for individuals with disabilities, but for their friends, family, and the larger community to meet, play, and grow together. The first organizational meeting of Bennett’s Village will take place on Tuesday, May 29th at Homewood Suites (2036 India Road) from 6-7:30 pm in the Albemarle Room. All individuals and organizations interested in partnering with us are invited to this kid-friendly meeting. If you cannot attend but would like to volunteer or donate to the cause, please contact fill out a volunteer form or email bennettsvillage@gmail.com
The Arc is a national network of non-profit organizations ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities are fully integrated into the community and living life to the fullest. They provide services and advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities who desire to have a full, rich life of living, working and playing in our community. The Arc of the Piedmont serves families and individuals in the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. As the local chapter of the national Arc, they are dedicated to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
At The Arc of the Piedmont, they use individual and corporate donations to improve the lives of men and women with developmental disabilities through community living services, day support, education and advocacy in our community and state.
Bennett’s Village is the fundraising team name for the family and friends of Bennett McClurken-Gibney as they raise money and awareness to fight for a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Bennett was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1 just a week after his 1st birthday. On February 28th, a few months shy of his 6th birthday, Bennett died suddenly. He spent most of his life overcoming obstacles and raising awareness for how inaccessible the world is. One of his greatest joys was to go to the ARC Park in Richmond, a playground that allows kids of all abilities to play together. Bennett’s Village is dedicated to building an all abilities playground in the Charlottesville community, a legacy to the light and love and community building that marked the life of this amazing little boy.
Tax deductible contributions may now be made to Bennett’s Village through “The Arc of the Piedmont” with the memo “FBO Bennett’s Village.” Checks may be mailed to The Arc of the Piedmont, Attn: Bennett’s Village, 509 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Bennett’s Village activities may be found on: facebook.com/charlottesvilleinclusiveplayground
To volunteer or stay on top of Bennett’s events, fill out a Bennett’s Village interest form: https://goo.gl/forms/agfVTcPlh3GOoT8o1.
For more information on Bennett’s Village, please contact: bennettsvillage@gmail.com.
