WESTFIELD–The Westfield Athenaeum received a donation of over $2,000 to help continue the renovation efforts of the over 150-year-old library.
The Athenaeum received a $2,050 donation from the proceeds of the James Arps Memorial Golf Tournament, with an additional $2,050 going toward the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation. The library will now utilize the money to continue its efforts toward renovations to make the Athenaeum more universally accessible, including improved handicap access.
“We’re really happy they were willing to use us as a partner this year,” Dan Paquette, Director of the Athenaeum, said. “It’s a great way to remember [James Arps] memory.”
The family of James Arps presents a check to Dan Paquette, Director of the Westfield Athenaeum.
From left to right: Debra Lindsey-Lombardi, Lilliana Fernandez (lower), Ashley Fernandez, Lindsey Fernandez, Jeff Arps, Dan Paquette
In addition to the library, the CdLS Foundation received a donation. The CdLS Foundation is a Connecticut-based foundation that “is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis of CdLS, promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome, and help people with a diagnosis of CdLS, and others with similar characteristics, make informed decisions throughout their lives,” according to its website.
James Arps granddaughter, Lindsey Fernandez, was diagnosed with CdLS in July 2013.
According to Jeff Arps, the golf tournament was the 16th annual such affair and is held at Tekoa Country Club. It is held in honor of James Arps, who died in a car accident in 2001. James grew up in Westfield, Jeff said.
Jeff said that since it began the tournament has raised just shy of $50,000 over its history. These funds have gone to causes such as Alzheimer’s disease research, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and scholarships.
The tournament is expected to take place on Sept. 22 next year at Tekoa Country Club.
