Courtesy photos Sarah Burnett (left) from the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation presented a check to Maria Brandt, executive director at The Arc of Blair County. The Arc of Blair County advocates for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through teaching classes that offer life tools to be used in the community and in employment. The Arc of Blair County is one of the oldest existing human services agency in the region and operates without receiving state or federal dollars.

The Arc of Blair County’s ninth annual Cash Bash exceeded its goal by more than $5,000. Many businesses and local companies supported the signature fundraiser of the organization through sponsorships and table reservations to the event held at The Altoona Grand Hotel. Funds raised support The Arc of Blair County programs and advocacy whose mission is to create independence for people with disabilities. Silver and Gold sponsors gathered at The Altoona Grand Hotel before the event. Shown are (from left): seated — Jamie Pope, Courtesy Motors; Tommy Edwards, Seven Mountains Media; and Jocelyn Wolf, Evolve Insurance Group; standing — Adam Ward, Ward Trucking; Glen Ray, G&R Demo; Brandon Traficante, Traficante Family Chiropractic; Jared Keller, Keller Engineers, Ashley Plunket, Seven Mountains Media; and Laura McNally, Altoona Grand Hotel. Bronze sponsors were Irwin Financial, PennCrest Bank, Sheetz Inc. and Webber Seltzer Wealth Advisors.

Hab’s Cafe Reunion members presented a check to The Arc of Blair County. Hab’s Cafe was a neighborhood establishment on 16th Street and 19th Avenue in Altoona, It was an active community staple for more than 60 years before closing its doors. Neighborhood patrons gather every few years to reminiscence on the history of the neighborhood and maintain connections. The owners of Hab’s Cafe, Habeeb and Victoria Kattouf, played a significant role in the development of The Arc of Blair County and received several awards from The Arc throughout the years. Shown in the check presentation, taken in the Vicki Kattouf game room at The Arc of Blair County, under photos of the Hab’s Reunion participants, are Mike McDonough, Jerry McAleer, Kevin Byrnes and George (Tom) Kattouf.

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Courtesy photos

Sarah Burnett (left) from the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation presented a check to Maria Brandt, executive director at The Arc of Blair County. The Arc of Blair County advocates for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through teaching classes that offer life tools to be used in the community and in employment. The Arc of Blair County is one of the oldest existing human services agency in the region and operates without receiving state or federal dollars.

Hab’s Cafe Reunion members presented a check to The Arc of Blair County. Hab’s Cafe was a neighborhood establishment on 16th Street and 19th Avenue in Altoona, It was an active community staple for more than 60 years before closing its doors. Neighborhood patrons gather every few years to reminiscence on the history of the neighborhood and maintain connections. The owners of Hab’s Cafe, Habeeb and Victoria Kattouf, played a significant role in the development of The Arc of Blair County and received several awards from The Arc throughout the years. Shown in the check presentation, taken in the Vicki Kattouf game room at The Arc of Blair County, under photos of the Hab’s Reunion participants, are Mike McDonough, Jerry McAleer, Kevin Byrnes and George (Tom) Kattouf.