Inspire honors its ‘Shining Stars’

GOSHEN — The Inspire Foundation held its annual Shining Stars Celebration on Oct. 2 at the Villa Venezia in Middletown, with more than 160 guests supporting Inspire’s mission to transform challenges into opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.

Lynn Allen Cione of Goshen, president of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, was awarded the Shining Stars Award for Exemplary Service to Orange County. In both her personal and professional life, Cione continues to have an impact on women, children, businesses and organizations, according to Inspire.

"Throughout Cione’s impressive professional history and her chamber of commerce career — having served as Executive Director of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce and currently as President of the Orange Chamber of Commerce — she has demonstrated a commitment to the mission of advancing commerce in the community," said a statement by Inspire. "Cione’s support of local businesses and service to so many worthwhile causes, particularly in regards to human rights, has undoubtedly enriched Orange County."

The Stamm family, benefactors of the Joshua Stamm Memorial Scholarship Fund, was awarded the Mary Lee Berry award for Outstanding Service to People with Disabilities. Inspire says that as they continue to create opportunities for students with disabilities through the Joshua Stamm Memorial Scholarship Fund, Dr. and Mrs. Mark Stamm and their family embody the mission of Inspire.

"The Joshua Stamm Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by the Stamm family to memorialize Joshua, who was an amazing young man," said a statement from Inspire.

Since its inception, the fund has raised over $100,000. A scholarship is awarded each year to a Goshen High School graduating student who demonstrates qualities of determination, caring, compassion and an independent spirit and who is able to excel despite a disability. The fund also issues grants to nonprofit organizations involved in the delivery of Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) therapy and research.

“Both Lynn Allen Cione and the Stamm Family share Inspire’s commitment to serving the needs of people,” said Marcel Martino, President and CEO of Inspire, “these individuals have truly enriched both Orange County and the disability community.”

To add excitement to the evening, a silent auction was held to benefit the Inspire Foundation’s Endowment Fund, which was established to help ensure the continuation of Inspire’s programs and services for people with disabilities well into the future. The auction was made possible thanks to contributions from businesses, organizations and community members.

The Shining Stars Celebration and silent auction have helped Inspire to raise critical funds to support programs and services for children and adults with disabilities.