Sentinel & Enterprise

EMBRACE INCLUSION CHARITY AUCTION RETURNS OCT. 13

Nonprofit’s main fundraiser helps those with disabiliti­es

- By Danielle Ray dray@sentinelan­denterpris­e.com

FITCHBURG >> Hotel stays, golf, adventures, arts and culture, and a tour of Boston are just a sampling of the items that will be up for grabs at the upcoming Embrace Inclusion Charity Auction. As the Arc of Opportunit­y in North Central Massachuse­tts’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the nonprofit is excited to host the event once again on Oct. 13 at Great Wolf Lodge.

Besides the numerous live and silent auction articles to bid on, attendees will be treated to a fun night of social networking and fundraisin­g that will include hors d’ oeuvres, a cashless bar, and the opportunit­y to connect with many members of the community.

The Arc has been providing day, home, family, and employment support to people with intellectu­al and developmen­tal disabiliti­es in North Central Massachuse­tts for more than 70 years out of its Fitchburg headquarte­rs. The money raised through the auction will benefit the nonprofit organizati­on’s Family Support Program, which works to ensure that people with disabiliti­es can be fully integrated in society.

The occasion provides the opportunit­y for The Arc to highlight all that it does for the people it supports, help attendees understand what they are supporting, and is a way to bring in potential donors. Three of its clients were willing to share what The Arc means to them and what kind of impact it has had on their lives, including 36-yearold Kathy Meservey.

“The Arc’s recreation program gives me the opportunit­y to do things on the weekends,” she said. “I like being able to see my friends and go bowling.”

Martine Belville, 61, said she likes going on fun trips through the program, “especially when we go to make the pottery.”

The occasion provides the opportunit­y for The Arc to highlight all that it does for the people it supports, help attendees understand what they are supporting, and is a way to bring in potential donors.

“I also love to go dancing,” Belville said. “I wouldn’t get to go out and have as many fun experience­s without The Arc’s recreation program.”

Tessie Wilson said she also enjoys going to dances organized by the nonprofit and said “the trips we do make me feel happy.”

For more informatio­n, to donate, and to purchase a ticket visit arcofoppor­tunity.org/2023auctio­n.

 ?? COURTESY THE ARC OF OPPORTUNIT­Y IN NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSE­TTS ?? The Arc of Opportunit­y in North Central Mass., based in Fitchburg, is holding its annual Embrace Inclusion Annual Charity Auction on Oct. 13 at Great Wolf Lodge. The nonprofit works to ensure that people with disabiliti­es can be fully integrated in society.
COURTESY THE ARC OF OPPORTUNIT­Y IN NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSE­TTS The Arc of Opportunit­y in North Central Mass., based in Fitchburg, is holding its annual Embrace Inclusion Annual Charity Auction on Oct. 13 at Great Wolf Lodge. The nonprofit works to ensure that people with disabiliti­es can be fully integrated in society.
 ?? COURTESY THE ARC OF OPPORTUNIT­Y IN NORTH CENTRAL
MASSACHUSE­TTS ?? Martine Belville, 61, enjoys going on fun trips with the Arc of Opportunit­y in North Central Massachuse­tts. The Fitchburg-based nonprofit organizati­on is holding their annual Embrace Inclusion Charity Auction fundraiser on Oct. 13.
COURTESY THE ARC OF OPPORTUNIT­Y IN NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSE­TTS Martine Belville, 61, enjoys going on fun trips with the Arc of Opportunit­y in North Central Massachuse­tts. The Fitchburg-based nonprofit organizati­on is holding their annual Embrace Inclusion Charity Auction fundraiser on Oct. 13.

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