In Record-Breaking Evening, Road to Responsibility Sails Past Gala Goal, Raises More Than $640,000 toward Making Lives Better for Adults with Disabilities

MARSHFIELD, MA:  The Making Lives Better Gala, Road to Responsibility’s signature fundraising event, surpassed all expectations, raising a record-breaking $640,000+.  The evening brought together community leaders, partners, families, and supporters who share a belief in opportunity, dignity, and lifelong care.

Road to Responsibility, one of the region’s largest and most successful nonprofit organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, held the 38th annual event on October 8 at Granite Links in Quincy, and welcomed more than 300 guests.  The evening was hosted by Jackie Bruno and Liam Martin, former Boston news anchors and current owners of Newsmaker Marketing.

Proceeds from the Gala directly sustain and expand the programs and services that create opportunity, independence, and connection for RTR individuals across a wide range of needs, including those requiring more complex care.  These include residential and independent living opportunities, employment and workforce development programs, community-based day services, and innovative tools and resources that enhance quality of life.

This year, the Gala highlighted the story of Emily and Maureen and their lifelong friendship through the video, “Making Every Moment Count.”  The video is available for viewing on RTR’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjxWc44edfY.

“We are so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of financial support we saw at our recent Gala,” said Christopher T. White, Ed.D., president and CEO of Road to Responsibility. “At RTR, we understand that the work we do, the services we provide, are a reflection of our lifelong commitment to the individuals and families we serve.  The kind of commitment we saw at the Gala helps to ensure we can continue to fulfill our mission and provide high-quality, person-centered support, both now and into the future.”

The evening’s fundraising tally was given a head start by an unprecedented number of businesses, organizations, and individuals that committed as Gala sponsors, raising $330,000. 

Event Sponsors included Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI, Xerox Business Solutions, benefitbay, VHS Transportation Company, Inc., Patriot Investment Corp., Copeland Family Foundation, Michael Parsons & Andrea Benoit, Scott & Jackie Ford, Pelmeds, Coastal Heritage Bank, Eastern Bank, Cambridge Trust, Gallagher, Quincy Mutual Group, Staffing on Demand Inc., and Unicorn Realty.

Event Underwriters included Navigating Life, Hingham Jewelers, South Shore Bank, and Powder Horn Press.  Community Supporters included Aequitas, A.W. Perry, Inc.; Baker, Braverman, & Barbadoro, P.C.; Black Rock Advertising & The South Shore Magazine; Callahan/Hoffman; CBIZ; Dr. Christopher White and Ms. Treva Sabin-White; eHana; Enterprise Holdings Foundation; Grey Properties; HUB International; Kate Johnson, Realtor, Compass; Liberty Bay Credit Union; Oddity Al; Tiny & Sons Auto Glass; TruNorth Bank; Acella Construction; Arc of MA; Bank of Canton; Cape Cod 5; Gibbs Software Solutions; Jeff & Taffy Nothnagle; Newsmaker Marketing; North Easton Savings Bank; Philadelphia Insurance; Roche Bros.; and Sheriff Joe McDonald.  In-Kind support came from Field Communication and Three Phase Production.