 |  | | | On June 4, Mary Cariola Center’s leadership donors and their guests gathered at Arbor at the Port of Rochester for an unforgettable evening of community, generosity, and celebration at Eat, Drink & Be Mary 2026. Every year, this premier fundraising event brings together our most committed supporters, while also connecting new donors to the Agency. From the moment guests arrived, the room buzzed with an energy that reflected the Cariola community's deep commitment to the students, residents, staff, and families we serve. Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed a variety of unique experiences. Highlights included a wine tasting presented by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, a martini tasting hosted by Shelly Avery of Smola Consulting, and mind-boggling live interactions with magician Joel Greenwich. One of the night's most popular attractions was the Wine Roulette, generously underwritten by The Summit Federal Credit Union with wines provided by Webster Wine & Spirits. Guests also bid on an impressive collection of live and silent auction items, entered the exciting Pot of Gold raffle, and participated in an inspiring paddle raise. By the end of the evening, the event raised more than $490,000! These vital funds will ensure our educational and residential programs continue to provide exceptional opportunities and support for the individuals who rely on the Agency every day. We extend a special thank you to Jerry Furciniti, Senior Vice President, and the entire Wealth Enhancement | QCI Team for serving as our lead sponsor. Their incredible support helped make this extraordinary evening possible. To everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, or contributed in any way, thank you. We look forward to seeing you again next year! | | | | | | SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | It was a “spudtacular” day at Mary Cariola as the world-famous Big Idaho Potato Truck rolled into all three Cariola campuses during their2026 nationwide tour. This was not a “half-baked” event! The Big Idaho Potato Truck ranks right up there with the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile. Weighing 4 tons, 72 feet long and 13 feet high, this is the world’s largest tater. Students had their eyes “peeled” for the truck’s arrival at school. The traveling “Tater Tots” crew provided information on the nutritional benefit of the Idaho potato, along with fun games and stickers. But the visit offered more than just fun. Sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, the truck spends seven months each year touring the country, stopping at schools and nonprofits to spread joy — and to give back. Each organization they visit receives a donation, making the experience even more meaningful. Of course, the highlight for many was simply standing beside a potato bigger than a school bus. After all, how often do you get a photo with a 4‑ton Idaho® potato? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | It is time to pack up and move forward. We’re excited to share meaningful progress across our programs—and to thank you for being part of this journey. June 23 marked both our last day of school and our final day at the East Henrietta campus. After 26 years, Mary Cariola Center is transitioning out of this space as we continue moving forward with our long‑term plans. While change can be bittersweet, this transition strengthens our path toward a more unified future. Our new Elmwood location will feature 10 newly constructed classrooms, therapy rooms, nursing suites, and recreational spaces—designed to be more supportive, flexible, and aligned with our students’ needs. The EH campus could no longer meet those needs, and although we carry many wonderful memories from our time there, it is the right moment to say goodbye. We are energized by what this next chapter will mean for our students. The opportunity to unite our Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School Programs in a single location marks an important step forward toward our one campus goal. Our East Avenue Campus will continue to serve our high school students. At the same time, we’ve been hard at work planning for the future. In partnership with SWBR architects, we have held numerous design sessions for our new Marketplace space—examining every classroom, therapy room, and support area to ensure the building truly meets our students’ needs. Each conversation has centered on a single goal: creating a space that is thoughtful, intentional, and purpose‑built for the students we serve. | | | | | | Earlier this spring, Mary Cariola Center welcomed leadership donors to our East Avenue Campus for A Day in the Life—a special appreciation event offering a firsthand look at the programs and experiences that support our students. Guests stepped into the role of a Mary Cariola student by participating in three interactive mini‑lessons led by staff. Donors were divided into small groups and rotated through each experience. One session featured Music Therapy, highlighting how music and movement play a vital role in student learning and development. Another stop brought donors to the Transition Hub, where they created greeting cards while learning how the program builds essential skills for adulthood. The final session invited guests into a hands‑on cooking activity, demonstrating how vision, occupational, and speech therapies work together to support student success. The evening concluded with a State of the Agency address from Karen Zandi, President and CEO. We are deeply grateful to all of our supporters for their continued partnership and commitment to our students, residents, staff, and families. Many thanks to longtime supporters Bill and Carol‑Sue Strusz for generously underwriting the event, and to the staff and volunteers whose efforts made this unique experience possible. | | | | | | | | | | Bailey Road Residence Bailey Road House Supervisor Bob Macomber and residents Nate and Tyshawn recently hit the road for a weekend getaway to Syracuse. Their trip included a visit to a large mall with laser tag, a stop at the zoo, and plenty of time swimming and relaxing in the hot tub. This traveling trio has made a habit of taking hotel trips every few months, exploring ball games, amusement parks, Niagara Falls, and even the Maid of the Mist. These outings give the young men a chance to make memories and unwind after their busy workweeks—Tyshawn with Partners with Industry and Nate with Special Touch Bakery. | | | | Waiver Services The Waiver Team is excited to welcome Armani Ellis as our new Behavior Liaison. Armani joins us from the school program and is already enjoying the opportunity to meet the families we support. Several young people are transitioning into new middle and high schools, and we are actively helping families navigate those changes. We’re also assisting with summer planning—everything from computer camps to overnight programs—to ensure students stay engaged and supported throughout the season. | | | | | | | | | | - Multimedia Specialist and accomplished gymnast Ryder Jencik competed in the final tournament of his career at the Eastern Nationals. He performed in the pommel horse event, and his team placed 4th overall while representing the New York Alliance Gymnastics Association of College Teams.
| | | | - East Avenue Campus students, Wania and Princess, submitted original short stories that were selected for national publication in Stranger Sagas by Young Writers USA.
| | | | - Mary Cariola’s Special Olympics Basketball Team competed and clinched the Division Title at the Genesee Region basketball skills and competition earlier this spring at Nazareth University.
| | | | - Mary Cariola’s Sunshine Squad (Drums Alive and Choir) received the Outstanding Performance Award at the Seabreeze Music Day Festival.
| | | | - Mary Cariola Center President/CEO Karen Zandi was honored to deliver the commencement address to St. John Fisher University’s Wegmans School of Nursing graduates in May.
| | | | - Elmwood student Levi and his grandmother/guardian were notified by the Go ShawnGo Foundation that they were one of three families selected as beneficiaries of the foundation’s upcoming race and fundraising event.
| | | | | | | | | | Four ceremonies, 72 graduates, endless smiles, gratitude and pride. Mary Cariola’s Class of 2026 is looking forward to their next adventure. We congratulate our 46 Preschool graduates and 26 High School graduates who received their certificates of completion last week. As they move on to new classrooms, new programs and new opportunities, we celebrate not just what they’ve achieved — but everything they are capable of becoming. Congratulations Class of 2026! We’re so proud of you. Visit our graduation photo gallery of our newest alumni HERE. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
