10/09/2026
What an incredible full circle moment to have our WRM Homes for Autism volunteers and family attend The Arc Erie County New York’s Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the main building at Black Water Acres. A year of blood, sweat, and tears by SO many people brought this dream to reality over the course of the last year.
And over the last 13 years of WRM Homes for Autism’s existence, YOU helped us raise $560,000 during our golf tournament & meat raffle fundraisers!! Someone help me pick up my jaw off the floor!! Our board members Peter Sorgi, Lisa DeJohn, Douglas Digesare, Glenn Wetzl & Cindy Wetzl presented the big check to donate to Arc for Black Water Acres!!! We are BLOWN AWAY by the generosity of our community and sincerely THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.
Our founders Glenn & Cindy Wetzl were an integral part of this project, and we are incredibly proud that Arc chose to name this building the Wetzl Center in honor of their hard work, selflessness, and compassion for families in WNY who have a loved one with autism and other disabilities. This will be a space for EVERYONE to feel a sense of community and belonging…providing endless opportunities for workforce training, programming, jobs, & more!! It is truly BREATHTAKING. Every little detail of this building was designed with purpose and every time I rounded a corner exploring, I was just in awe. This building is going to help so many.
And to think… this is just the tip of the iceberg! The future plans for the property are truly ambitious and inspiring. Check out more about Black Water Acres here. https://www.arceriecounty.org/blackwateracres
A huge congratulations to all at Arc on 75 years of helping our community! Everyone’s speeches were amazing and you could feel the love and passion radiating in the room. A special shout out to CEO Doug DiGesare for not only jumping on board with the idea of Black Water Acres, but on 39 years with Arc. A truly inspiring man. “From frontline manager to Chief Executive Officer, he helped transform The Arc Erie County into one of WNY’s leading organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” Congratulations on your upcoming retirement!
Our hearts are full! 🧡
Again, THANK YOU!
P.S. We hope to see you 10/24 at our meat raffle fundraiser for one big night of fun & celebration in honor of BWA!