More than 400 people packed the Picasso Ballroom at Encore Boston Harbor to help Northeast Arc celebrate An Evening of Changing Lives. With support from donors and attendees, the agency raised more than $500,000 to support programs that help people with disabilities or autism live as full members of their communities.
The highlight of the evening was an inclusive fashion show where individuals and families supported by Northeast Arc walked the runway with local celebrities. The fashion show highlighted the diversity of services provided by Northeast Arc – supporting people with disabilities and autism from birth through end of life. The fashion show ended with former New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl Champion Rob Ninkovich tossing footballs to donors in the crowd.
During the event, Northeast Arc honored Senior Vice President at NORESCO Darcy Immerman with the Changing Lives Award in recognition of her longtime support of Northeast Arc. Lieutenant Governor, former Mayor of Salem, and one of Innerman’s closest friends, Kim Driscoll, presented the Changing Lives Award.
“This award recognizes those who understand the value of inclusion, and who have fought hard to make our communities more inclusive by supporting this incredible organization,” said Lt. Governor Driscoll. “I think of Darcy as the ultimate connector. She makes it her mission to know everyone in the room and make sure they know each other. She doesn’t just serve on a Board; she is active, engaged, and committed to the work.”
Immerman has served in a variety of roles at Northeast Arc, which include former chair of the Board of Directors and current chair of the 2054 Society. In accepting the award, Immerman called Northeast Arc an “exceptional asset to the community” and spoke about how the organization has focused on developing innovative solutions to emerging challenges.
“As with many community-based organizations, we receive government funding once a program is established. But to create these programs we need to self-fund the pilots – thus innovation is fueled by donations,” said Immerman. “We launched the Arc Tank. Rather than using a major gift from Steven Rosenthal for operations, we used it to fund disruptive technology which has created apps and programs well beyond our North Shore reach.”
President and CEO of Northeast Arc Jo Ann Simons said Immerman is just one of many partners who make Northeast Arc’s work possible. “Collaboration with government, business, and community leaders, and with each of you, makes our goals achievable,” Simons said. “Darcy embodies the type of collaboration and compassion that makes our community the best place for people of all abilities to live.”
