Every year, Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy's Ugly Sweater Contest proves one thing: creativity is alive and well across the amazing communities supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

From over-the-top patterns to sweaters that deserve their own category of chaos, the entries never disappoint. 2025 was no exception, and after reviewing the submissions, we faced a problem we didn't mind having—two groups that absolutely deserved to win.

That's right... we had a tie.

Colonial at New Hope Community: Team Spirit on Display

The team at Colonial at New Hope Community showed up ready to compete with coordinated sweaters and a whole lot of personality. Their entry brought the perfect mix of festive fun and team spirit, and it was clear right away that this group put real thought into their presentation.

More importantly, you could tell they had a great time putting it all together. And honestly, that's the entire point.

When care teams jump in, laugh together, and make something memorable, everyone wins. The relationships built through activities like these translate into stronger teamwork when it matters most—in the daily support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Woodbourne: A Three-Peat Victory

Meanwhile, the crew at Woodbourne did what they seem to do best—raise the bar yet again.

With their bold sweaters and unmistakable team energy, they secured their third consecutive Ugly Sweater victory, officially making this an annual tradition we look forward to seeing from them.

And of course, no Woodbourne appearance would be complete without their famous four-legged teammate Benny, who once again showed up ready to steal the spotlight.

At this point, we're convinced Benny may be the real mastermind behind the whole thing.

Why Community Contests Matter in I/DD Services

Activities like the Ugly Sweater Contest might seem lighthearted, but they serve important purposes in the intellectual and developmental disabilities service community:

Team Building: Residential care teams work together daily in demanding roles. Activities that encourage collaboration and fun strengthen working relationships and improve communication.

Celebrating Culture: Organizations with strong, positive cultures provide better care. When staff feel connected to their workplace community, that positive energy extends to the individuals they support.

Recognizing Joy: Working in I/DD services is meaningful but can also be emotionally demanding. Creating opportunities for laughter and celebration helps prevent burnout and maintains perspective.

Including Individuals: Many community contests include the individuals receiving services, providing opportunities for them to participate in decision-making, creativity, and celebration.

The Real Prize: Pizza Parties with Leadership

A contest this serious deserves an equally serious reward.

To celebrate their victory, both winning teams were treated to pizza parties with Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy CEO Angelo Angerame—because great sweaters deserve great pizza.

These celebrations are always one of our favorite moments of the year. They give everyone a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy the community that makes this work so meaningful.

Leadership presence at celebrations like these sends an important message: the people doing direct care work matter, their contributions are valued, and their joy is celebrated. For CEO Angelo Angerame, these pizza parties represent opportunities to connect with the frontline teams whose work directly impacts individuals with I/DD.

New Hope Community: A Valued Partner

Colonial at New Hope Community is part of New Hope Community's network of residential services supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley. New Hope Community provides residential programs, day habilitation services, supported employment, and community integration support.

Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy serves as the pharmacy partner for New Hope Community's residential programs, providing medication management services that support the health and wellbeing of the individuals New Hope serves.

The relationship between pharmacy providers and residential organizations exemplifies the collaborative spirit necessary for comprehensive I/DD care. When pharmacy staff and residential care teams know each other, communicate effectively, and occasionally celebrate together, the entire care system functions better.

Woodbourne: Three Years of Creativity

Woodbourne's third consecutive victory establishes them as the unofficial champions of the Ugly Sweater Contest. Their consistent participation and creative approaches year after year demonstrate the kind of team spirit that makes excellent I/DD care possible.

And Benny, their canine teammate, deserves special recognition. Therapy animals and beloved pets often play meaningful roles in residential I/DD settings, providing companionship, comfort, and joy to both residents and staff. Benny's starring role in the Ugly Sweater Contest reflects his importance to the Woodbourne community.

Looking Ahead to 2026

To everyone who participated this year: thank you for bringing the creativity, the humor, and the unforgettable sweaters.

We can't wait to see what you come up with in 2026!

The Ugly Sweater Contest has become an anticipated annual tradition that brings together Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy and the residential communities we serve. As we look forward to next year's competition, we're already wondering: Will Woodbourne go for four consecutive wins? Will new teams emerge with even more outrageous sweater creativity? Will Benny maintain his role as the contest's most photogenic pup?

The Broader Picture: Celebrating I/DD Care Communities

Events like the Ugly Sweater Contest remind us that supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities involves more than clinical care and regulatory compliance. It involves building communities where people—both those receiving services and those providing them—experience joy, connection, and belonging.

Residential programs that create cultures of celebration, creativity, and fun often provide higher quality care. When direct support professionals feel valued and enjoy their workplace, they're more likely to bring energy and positivity to their interactions with the individuals they support.

When pharmacy partners like Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy participate in these celebrations, it reinforces that we're all part of the same community, working toward shared goals of supporting individuals with I/DD to live full, meaningful lives.

Acknowledgment and Gratitude

Congratulations again to both winning teams:

• Colonial at New Hope Community
• Woodbourne (and Benny!)

Your creativity, team spirit, and willingness to have fun made this year's contest memorable. More importantly, your dedication to the individuals you support every day makes a real difference in their lives.

Thank you to all the teams who participated in the 2025 Ugly Sweater Contest. Your involvement strengthens our community and reminds us why we do this work.

See you in 2026 for another round of festive creativity!

---