*Originally published on March 22. Republished on March 25 as a timely reminder.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Back in 1959, a group of parents got together to create a school to help children with developmental disabilities and called it the New Hope School for Children. What they started evolved into the Advocacy Resource Center, or ARC Marion, recently rebranded as The Arc Marion (TAM).
TAM is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For more than half a century, TAM has championed inclusivity and accessibility for those living with IDD in Marion County, serving not just as a lifeline for individuals but also their families.
Lenni Clyatt started working at TAM about 10 years ago “behind the scenes” with the executive team. Currently, she is serving as the interim executive director and says, “I absolutely adore the clients we serve.”
Beyond the fence at 2800 SE Maricamp Rd. in Ocala lies a facility where those who are often told they can’t, can.
“We have, I think, 20 residential clients who live here 24 hours,” Clyatt said. “We provide transportation to and from our programs, and then we also have our supported employment, supported living for those who can live more independently and work independently within the community.”
Clyatt believes awareness is the biggest way to advocate for these individuals. “We’re constantly trying to advocate for their rights, their moral functionality within the community, and just breaking down those barriers so they can be as inclusive as possible.,” she said.
Clyatt says while TAM receives federal and state funds, they rely on fundraisers to fill any shortfalls.
One such fundraisers is a yard sale at their facility this Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23, with “two buildings packed full of treasures.”
But their big event is King of the Wing, an annual community celebration that is now in its 18th year. This year’s event takes place on Tuesday, March 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. on the downtown square in Ocala.
Whether you’re mild-mannered or dare to walk on the wild side, there’s a wing for you. Lewis Stokes, from 352today’s sister radio station, 93.7 K-Country, will provide the musical backdrop for an evening of sampling and sipping.
“It’s one of our favorite events we have,” said Clyatt. “Currently, we have 13 competitors. There are restaurants, amateur competitors. Charlie Horse is competing. Bucket Truck Wings is an amateur competitor. They were the champions last year, so they are competing again this year. We have the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, some local amateurs, and Fat Boy’s BBQ, also.”
Rounding out the 13 contestants vying to be crowned King of the Wing are Ocala Electric Utility, Mojo’s Grill, TECO People’s Gas, Ocala Bets, Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar, Bank Street Patio Bar, Dillon Media Group, the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2135, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Tickets are $25 each and include a sampling of wings from each of the contestants plus two beverages. They can be purchased at TAM or online.