EMARC Enjoys Successful 18th Annual Gala

300 guests attended EMARC’s largest annual fundraiser to support adults and children with developmental disabilities at the Peabody Marriott

EMARC held its 18th Annual “Tucker” Gala Dinner and Auction on Monday, November 5th at the Peabody Marriott. This is EMARC’s signature Gala which raises funds for EMARC programs including Family Support, Residential, Day Services, Respite, Life Choices, Recreation, School-to-Work and many more. EMARC is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has offices in Reading, Burlington, Beverly and most recently Wakefield. For almost 60 years, EMARC’s goal is to support adults and children with developmental disabilities.

The event kicked off at 5:30 with auctions, tasting stations from 20 local restaurants, and musical performances by Tunefoolery. The live auction started at 7:30 and included celebrity auctioneers Actor and Comic Lenny Clarke, Comic Steve Sweeney, Phantom Gourmet’s Dave Andelman, and Comic & Actor Tony V. Radio and TV personality Hank Morse served as the evening’s emcee. Sweeney, Andelman, Tony V, and Morse have been part of EMARC’s Tucker Gala for several years now. Morse says it’s one of his favorite events because of the level of support he sees it receive from the community.

“What I love about EMARC, is the selflessness of the supporters,” said Emcee Hank Morse. “No matter who you are, EMARC’s mission has an effect on everybody in this room. Once you get here, you can’t leave. The love that’s in the room each year, the spirit, it makes you want to come back.”

Morse, along with Tony V and Lenny Clarke, has already signed on for the 19th Annual Tucker Gala in November 2013.

Tucker “Rookie” Lenny Clarke stated that “what everybody does at EMARC is God’s work” and he is completely “on board.”

In addition to raising funds for the agency, the Tucker Gala also recognizes businesses and community members who have gone above and beyond to support EMARC. This year, EMARC’s “Community Champion” award went to the Peabody Marriott. They were recognized for their dedication to hosting and supporting EMARC and the Tucker Gala each year.

Director of Development and Marketing for EMARC, Amy O’Brien says that, “while the Peabody Marriott definitely deserves special recognition, that everyone involved with this year’s gala deserves an award of their own.”

“We were thrilled at how many local businesses, and individuals, came out to support this year’s Tucker Gala,” said O’Brien. “This is our most important fundraiser of the year, and it raises essential funding for programs that are not state funded. We couldn’t have done that without the endless support of the businesses, volunteers, and the dedicated EMARC staff who worked on this event. We can’t thank everyone involved enough for their support.”

For more information on EMARC, including events, or to make a donation or volunteer, please go to: www.theemarc.org.

EMARC is already gearing up for its 19th Annual Tucker Gala on November 4th, 2013 at the Peabody Marriott. Stay tuned!

About EMARC

EMARC is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. For almost 60 years, EMARC’s mission is to support, serve, and advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure they are valued, respected and have the opportunity to fully participate in their communities. To learn more, see www.theemarc.org.

– Information and photo from EMARC. Pictured: Actor and Comic Lenny Clarke speaks on stage with EMARC participant Anne Marie Dorion