West Haven resident Robert J. Alling received an Individual Achievement Award from the Center for Disability Rights during the organization’s Quarterly Meeting of the Membership Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012.

Board President Charles J. Smyth (L), Executive Director Marc Anthony Gallucci present Robert J. Alling his Certificate of Individual Achievement at Wednesday's Quarterly Meeting of the CDR Membership.

CDR Executive Director Marc Anthony Gallucci recalls the day Robert dropped by the Center to announce that he would participate in the Wheel-A-Thon. “When I asked him if he was part of a team, he said he would do it himself. And how! He raised more by himself than some teams raise,” Gallucci said.

Alling’s award recognized his outstanding achievement raising the most money for CDR’s sixth Annual Wheel-A-Thon, Sept. 25, 2011. Alling raised more than $500, and set a record for an individual in CDR’s Wheel-A-Thon.

“We encourage others to be so inspired to support our programs that benefit disabled youth in our community,” Gallucci said.

The Center for Disability Rights Wheel-A-Thon to benefit young people with disabilities is a fundraising and community awareness campaign to benefit the youth programs and activities of CDR and its partners.  Money raised in 2011 will fund three college scholarships for students with disabilities; Advocacy with students to improve their education; Facilitation Services for youth groups; and CDR youth transition services.

The next Wheel-A-Thon is scheduled to take place Sept. 9, 2012, at the Savin Rock Conference Center, 5 Rock St., West Haven, CT.  For more information on how to participate, visit www.wheel-a-thon.org.