In 2010, Ray Gorneault and Joe Uccello discussed what they could do to be more involved in the community, especially with the people they worked closely with in their professional lives. Ray and Joe are Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP's) with Hudson Seating and Mobility, Ray joining them in 1995, and Joe in 1998. Both carried extensive backgrounds in the medical field, Ray having worked at the Newington Children's Hospital for many years, Joe as an Athletic Training student and licensed EMT. Their outgoing natures were the final component that led them to medical sales with Hudson Seating & Mobility, the largest family owned dealer of custom seating and mobility in New England. The two decided that joining the NSCIACT was a great way to try to give back to the people they work closely with, individuals with spinal cord injury.
Joining the board in 2010, things started out slowly, as they became accustomed to how the organization worked. They were elected to the board in October 2010. At that point, they joined the committee for the 2nd Annual Twilight Gala. The fundraising event was still in its infancy, but still a successful endeavor for the organization. After helping to organize the 2011 event, they decided they would both like to chair the event, leading the organizing efforts. Also, in 2011, they decided since they both see many of the new spinal cord patients through their work at Hospital for Special Care and Gaylord respectively, they took up positions as Co-Vice Presidents of Membership for the organization.
The 3rd Annual Twilight Gala was a tremendous success. They nearly tripled the money raised from the previous year. At a time when the organization was struggling to find its way, the effort from Joe and Ray saw the organization's financial status return to firm ground, and the membership grow almost 25% in their first year in their new positions. But they did not rest on the laurels of their success at the 2012 event.
The 4th Annual Twilight Gala was the most successful event ever put on by the organization, raising over $50,000 for the organization and its membership. 244 guests attended the March 9th event, headlined by Gold Sponsorship from Hudson Seating & Mobility and Advanced Wheels of Technology. Many guests enjoyed Paul Nitz as the guest speaker. The 4 time gold medal Paralympian gave a tremendous speech, and afterwards, was seen chatting with many guests as the night went on.
But Ray and Joe aren't done yet. They have still retained their positions as co-chairmen for the 5th Annual Twilight Gala being held on March 8th, 2014. And this year's event promises to be bigger than ever. This year's guest speaker is Eric LeGrand. Eric suffered a spinal cord injury in 2010 while playing football for Rutgers University. He is a spokesperson for ESPN and Subway. Ray and Joe feel that Eric's star power and notoriety can raise the Twilight Gala to the premier fundraising event in Connecticut. They have also taken on new roles within the organization. They no longer share the Vice President of Membership role. Ray now is the sole VP of that position, and Joe has taken on a new role as Vice President of Advocacy. Their roles at Hudson are ever evolving with recent changes to Medicare and Medicaid, and they felt they are in a position to pass this information along to the membership as it happens. With their aggressive spirit, they plan on raising the NSCIACT to new heights never seen before.