January Spotlight: "Family Reunion Success! Thank you Sarah Petit Fund!"

The warm mist of salt water, the swaying sound of palm trees and the smell of luau food may not be the family reunion scene that many party goers are accustomed to in Prince George’s County. But for Brian Lee, this was a normal family get together for him last summer.

Brian Lee, an Office Skills Training Program graduate, has been working at The Arc of Prince George’s County for the past three years as an office assistant. He took a break from the usual mailing, filing and typing last summer to travel to Malibu, Hawaii for his family reunion. With such a great distance separating Brian and that side of his family, seeing them initially was difficult for him.

“I was excited and emotional to see them after so long,” Lee said.

Seeing his cousin, Keith, and staying in his house by the water are his favorite memories from the trip. Prior to this vacation, which was partially funded through the Sarah Petit Fund, Brian had not seen Keith for a long period of time and their reconnection proved to be invaluable to them both.

His trip lasted eight days, and he explored the beaches and volcanoes of the island through hiking excursions and swimming. Brian also attended a luau and sampled the exotic Hawaiian cuisine.

“It is a different kind of food, but I liked it,” Brian said.

The Sarah Petit Fund supports vacations and recreational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc’s biggest fundraiser, The Bowling Bash, will be held on March 7th & 14th this year, and all its proceeds support the Sarah Petit Fund and trips such as Brian’s.