March 19 | Creating a Community of Caring

March 19, 2020 | Issue #33

Creating a Community of Caring

In today's vlog, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian discusses the measures The Arc of Massachusetts is taking to provide a community of caring for our constituents during the COVID-19 crisis in the Commonwealth.

Watch Leo's vlog now.

65th Anniversary

Dear Friends,

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism are counting on all of us to stand strong with them as the situation with COVID-19 presents new and remarkable challenges. The virus and its fallout will hit them disproportionately harder than many, making The Arc’s leadership and advocacy more important than ever.

We had planned to celebrate our 65th anniversary with many of you and our community on March 26 but decided to cancel just days before the state of emergency was declared. Our annual gala is our largest source of revenue, making year-round advocacy, education, and empowerment possible – in times of crisis and in times of calm. The cancellation is creating a revenue shortfall that is having a direct impact on our work and programs.

But there is good news: YOU have the power to make our virtual gala a success!

Our online auction will open on Monday, March 23. We have dozens of fun, entertaining, and unique auction items – ranging from signed sports memorabilia to vacations to lunch with Boston Globe Business Columnist Shirley Leung.

We also will be raffling off 4 tickets to see Lady Gaga at Fenway Park on August 5.

Plus, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to support The Arc’s advocacy, education, and outreach at any time.

It’s all at bidpal.net/thearc .

Menu options on the left side of the page provide details on how to register and how to bid . By registering and providing your contact information, you will receive updates on auction prizes you are bidding on and more.

And on March 26, we will premier the video retrospective celebrating The Arc’s past and present and the program book.

Please contact Katrin Aback at aback@arcmass.org with any questions.

Thank you very much for your care and concern for people with I/DD and autism!

COVID-19 Updates

On Monday, March 16, The Arc of Massachusetts released our first update on information and resources relating to the COVID-19 crisis . Stay tuned to The Arc's website, as we will be continuing to share the latest in our new COVID-19 Updates section.

Congress has passed two bills to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic – but more must still be done to support people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professionals (DSP) workforce. Take action now to contact your legislators.

Webinars

Sponsor Spotlight

The work of The Arc of Massachusetts is made possible by generous donations from people like you, friend. None of our advocacy, education, and outreach would be possible without your continued support. Please consider giving today.

Make a gift today.