Road to Responsibility (RTR), one of the region’s largest and most successful non-profit organizations, announced today that their 32nd annual (and first virtual) Making Lives Better Gala, held on Thursday, September 24, surpassed their expectations for a virtual event, raising 25% more than its goal.
The virtual format featured the familiar face of Hingham resident Michael Page, who has been emceeing the organization’s event for the last several years. This year RTR highlighted the importance of the job placement program to the organization’s individuals, and pointed out that many of them continued in their roles throughout the height of the pandemic. Videos shown during the event can be seen on the RTR website at https://roadtoresponsibility.org/who-we-are/video-gallery/.
The net amount raised is close to surpassing last year’s total, an incredible feat given the shift to a virtual format. This amount was achieved in part as a result of the generosity of two of the gala’s top sponsors: Xerox Business Solutions and VHS Transportation Company, Inc. and Patriot Investment Corp. Additionally, an anonymous donor offered a $50,000-challenge grant, which matches any donation of $2,500 and below (up to $50,000). Mobile bidding also contributed to the total, with prizes that included a Whiskey Wheelbarrow (back by popular demand), won by Nick O’Keefe, and a new Craft Beer Barrel, won by Kelly Cichocki.
Additional sponsors of the evening included the Benoit and Parsons Family; Eastern Bank; M&T Bank; Unicorn Realty; A.W. Perry; Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Michele Brait; Copeland Family Foundation, Inc.; Susan & Bob Sullivan; Black Rock Advertising & South Shore Magazine; Dr. Chris White & Ms. Treva Sabin-White; Ms. Pattricia Clark; Sesco Realty Trust; Sigma Mechanical Services; South Shore Bank; PLAN of Massachusetts & Rhode Island, Inc; Hingham Jewelers; HUB International; Marcum LLP; Liberty Bay Credit Union; Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro; Callahan/Hoffman Co.; Eileen Fitzgibbons; HarborOne Bank; Legacy Resnik, LLC; Tim & Jody Nash; Philadelphia Insurance Companies: Rockland Trust; Marisa & Terry Ronan; and Signet Electronic Systems, Inc.
“All of our supporters have really stepped up this year,” said Christopher White, Ed.D., CEO of Road to Responsibility. “And those that are doing okay during this time are supporting us more than ever – it’s so great to see.
“Thanks to our sponsors and community supporters, we were able to exceed our expectations despite the event carrying on virtually. We are thrilled, and so grateful for this show of commitment during this most challenging time,” White added.
The night ended with the announcement of the date for the 33rd annual Making Lives Better Gala – Thursday, September 23, 2021, which will be held in person at Granite Links in Quincy if conditions allow.
There is still time to support Road to Responsibility’s 32nd Annual Gala with a donation. Checks can be mailed to 1831 Ocean Street in Marshfield or made online via credit card: https://roadtoresponsibility.ejoinme.org/MLB2020.
About Road To Responsibility, Inc.
Celebrating over 30 years of making lives better, Road to Responsibility, Inc. (RTR) was established in 1988 with the overarching belief that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve to have full, rich, and rewarding lives in the community, and therefore works to provide the means, the opportunity, and the support necessary to allow citizens with disabilities to take their place as productive members of the community. RTR offers residential, work/employment, day habilitation and other day supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. RTR supports individuals with very diverse needs, including those with significant challenges who would otherwise go unserved if not for RTR. It succeeds where other organizations often fail, through the use of an integrated clinical behavioral approach. This model has proven successful and yielded positive results for the organization and the individuals served.
Road to Responsibility offers services to almost all the towns and communities throughout the South Shore and South Coast of Massachusetts, operates 48 residences as well as co-operative and supportive living apartments, and manages nine day-service locations that focus on education, employment, and community enrichment. Road to Responsibility’s main office is located at 1831 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA. For more information, please visit www.roadtoresponsibility.org.
