The Arc of Monmouth will honor entrepreneur and parent-advocate for autism awareness Rob Ilvento at Winter Glow 2017 on Fri., Dec.1 at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, Farmingdale. All proceeds benefit the 1,600 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by The Arc in Monmouth County.
“We are thrilled to recognize Rob Ilvento for his longtime support of the autistic and I/DD community, as both a business leader and dedicated father,” said Holly Annarella Flego, Colts Neck, chair of this year’s event.
Ilvento founded the Silverball Museum on the Asbury Park boardwalk in response to his daughter’s love of pinball. “Autistic children have a difficult time connecting,” said Ilvento. “But Morgan connected to pinball like nothing else.”
Her love of the arcade games prompted him to begin collecting pinball machines and finally open a museum and arcade on the Asbury Park boardwalk in 2009. A 2017 USA Today Readers Poll recently named the Silverball Museum and Arcade the “Best Attraction in New Jersey.”
Ilvento often hosts autism awareness events and fundraising event at the Silverball Museum and welcomes patrons with special needs. Ilvento is also a successful business leader and entrepreneur, starting Cluck U Chicken as a college student. He now owns Jersey Shore Fry Company and Jersey Pizza Shells among other ventures.
The gala will feature celebrity auctioneer Nick Dawes from Antique Roadshow, pinball, casino games, cocktails, dinner, a rocking 10-piece band, and surprises in keeping with the “Get Your Glow On” theme. The event also offers a super 50/50 and a restaurant raffle featuring dozens of the finest establishments at the Jersey Shore.
Winter Glow reservations are available online at www.arcofmonmouth.org/
The Arc of Monmouth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, annually serving more than 1,600 through education, vocational training, residential services, health care, supported employment, recreation, individual and family supports, self-directed services and advocacy.
