Special revelers have a ball

It was very much like any other fall gala - young men in tuxedos strutted with their chests puffed out and elegantly gowned young ladies on their arms as they emerged from limousines.
This Saturday night however was special on many levels - the doormen were in leather jackets and motorcycle boots instead of livery, and some of the guests were in wheelchairs.
It was the 6th Annual Harvest Ball for blind and mentally-challenged group-home “consumers” from College Point-based charity AABR, co-sponsored and staffed by the Local 3 electricians Motorcycle Club and the union Allied Club.
AABR was founded in 1956, “to teach the multiply-handicapped, blind and severely retarded the basic skills of daily living,” according to Executive Director Christopher Weldon.
“We started with a single facility and have grown to more than 30 sites in the metro area, helping more than 1,000 families,” Weldon said. “Most of our consumers are here tonight - this is the high point of their year,” he added.
The local United Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union hall in the Electchester section of Flushing was transformed into a Grand Ballroom, on October 11, with crystal chandeliers above the dance floor and tables set for dinner surrounding it.
Disco lights swirled in time with the DJ’s music and the crowd was ecstatic.
Even around the edges of the room, where those more profoundly challenged observed from their wheelchairs, there was swaying to the music.
“Of all the things I’m involved with, this is by far my favorite function,” said Joe Bechtold, Local 3 Recording Secretary as well as founder and “boss” of the Motorcycle Club.
“I was being honored by AABR about seven years ago, when Chris and I came up with the idea. My union brothers and I wanted to support these dedicated professionals who do such a great job,” he said.
It was purely by happenstance that the idea for a party grew to a gala.
“There was a tuxedo rental store that was going out of business,” Weldon recalled. “He was asking for $20 apiece - we offered to take what he couldn’t sell as a donation.”
Apparently, the market for used tuxedos wasn’t all that good.
“We had enough to give one to every male consumer, and have quite a few in storage,” Weldon said, adding “It’s one of their most cherished possessions.”
The odd couple - Weldon in his tuxedo and Bechtold in his biker gear - labor long and hard to make the evening perfect for the guests.
They were careful to point out that the refreshments are all purchased with donations for the event. “We’re hoping to get sponsors,” Weldon said.
Behind the scenes, nearly 100 volunteers labored in the kitchen and around the venue, serving dinners, beverages and desserts, clearing tables inside and directing traffic outside.
“Just directing traffic is a job in itself,” Bechtold admitted, offering praise to the officers of the nearby 107th Precinct for their support. “They do a great job every year,” he said.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but you can’t walk away from here without feeling good about yourself,” the big-hearted biker said, before returning to his duties.