Sentinel & Enterprise

Auction nets $50,043

- Submitted Article

FITCHBURG » The Arc of Opportunit­y’s Charity Auction closed out another recordbrea­king fundraiser to support people with intellectu­al and developmen­tal disabiliti­es and their families in the Central Massachuse­tts community.

The coronaviru­s pandemic transforme­d the 31-year traditiona­l in-person event into an innovative online format. Even with the transition, the communitie­s’ generosity remained more vibrant than ever, raising $50,043.

Proceeds will benefit The Arc’s Family Supports and Recreation Program.

This program receives little government funding yet is an invaluable resource for people with disabiliti­es and their families.

The Arc is grateful for the support of corporate sponsor Workers Credit Union and other major sponsors Bowditch Attorneys, Rollstone Bank & Trust, First Financial Bank, Hub Internatio­nal, MJM Constructi­on, and Tufts Health Care.

Joan Driscoll, former executive director and daughter to a founding family of The Arc, said: “In 1989, we started the first auction in response to a budgeting crisis. With about 50 people in attendance, we raised $1,000. Thirty-one auctions later with hundreds of lives impacted, the event continues to raise critical funds to support

The Arc’s programs.

“We’re grateful for the loyal friends of The Arc who have remained with us since the beginning and to those who joined us for the first time this year,” Driscoll continued. “Thank you for your continuous support.”

Mary Heafy, President & CEO of The Arc, said: “2020 continues to challenge the entire organizati­on and our community. The Charity Auction highlighte­d our resilience, our communitie­s’ generosity, and the remarkable people who support those living with I/DD to be valued members of their communitie­s. The Arc would not be the leading resource for those with I/DD without our supporters, sponsors, and partners as our COVID Silver Lining. Thanks to you, The Arc can advocate for every member of society to recognize and respect the human dignity of people with I/DD.”

For 68 years, The Arc has ensured people with intellectu­al and developmen­tal disabiliti­es and their families have timely access to the quality supports and services they need and want to achieve a life of personal significan­ce.

 ?? COURTESY COLBY O'BRIEN ?? Since The Arc of Opportunit­y’s Charity Auction was online, Rick Clouthier holds the bucket while Kenny Lavoie draws winners for the games of chance that were streamed online for over 200 participan­ts.
COURTESY COLBY O'BRIEN Since The Arc of Opportunit­y’s Charity Auction was online, Rick Clouthier holds the bucket while Kenny Lavoie draws winners for the games of chance that were streamed online for over 200 participan­ts.

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