Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian

2024 Gala Information

The Arc of Massachusetts Annual Gala

Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian

Thursday, October 17 | 6:00 – 9:00PM
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
210 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125

TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS ON SALE NOW

Celebrate Leo at the 2024 Gala.

This year, The Arc of Massachusetts’s annual gala will celebrate the legacy of Leo Sarkissian and his lifelong dedication to ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism have the right and the opportunities to live full lives in the community.

After leading the organization as Executive Director for the past 33 years, Leo will be retiring from the role in November. The Arc’s Board of Directors chose to honor Leo via the annual fundraising event, which is being chaired by James T. Brett, President and Chief Executive Officer of The New England Council.

Let’s raise a toast to Leo Sarkissian as we celebrate his incredible career and the impact he will continue to have on disability policy and advocacy in Massachusetts and beyond! Join The Arc of Massachusetts and members of the disability community in paying tribute to The Arc’s leader for the past 33 years. This very special event will be an opportunity to reflect on how far disability rights and inclusion have come, to reminisce with friends new and old, and to thank Leo for his dedication and service.

Join us as we celebrate Leo at The Arc’s Annual Gala on October 17. A program honoring Leo’s dedication to people with IDD and autism will follow the reception.

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime celebration!

As a sponsor of Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian, you will improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, while honoring Leo’s legacy. Funds raised will sustain The Arc’s advocacy and programs.

About the Event

This event consists of a cocktail reception with food stations and passed hors d’ouevres. There is no seated dinner. After the cocktail reception, there will be a program.

Important Ticket Disclaimer

The program will be held in a replica of the US Senate chamber. Seating in the chamber is limited. When we are at capacity, we will notify ticket buyers that a seat in the chamber is not guaranteed.

The program will be livestreamed to other viewing spaces at the Kennedy Institute. Buy your tickets early.

Refund Policy

No refunds on tickets purchased will be given after October 7.

Directions and Parking

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute is located on Columbia Point on the University of Massachusetts Boston campus. Nearby is the JFK Presidential Library & Museum and the Massachusetts Archives and Commonwealth Museum.

By Public Transportation: On the MBTA, take the Red Line to JFK/UMass station and take Bus #1, a free UMass Boston shuttle bus, to the Kennedy/Archives stop which will drop off at the stop sign across from the Institute. Please check the UMass Boston website for updated shuttle bus information

Driving: As the destination address please use this Google Maps link. Follow the directional signage on the UMass Boston campus.

Parking: There is free parking adjacent to the Institute and designated accessible parking spots in the Edward M. Kennedy Institute lot.

Presenting Sponsors

Tracy and John Atkinson
Vibeke and Gustav Christensen

Gold Sponsors

Scott and Julie Borchardt
Kathryn and Michael Mullane
Janet and Art Rico

Silver Sponsors

Advocate Sponsors

Supporter Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

James T. Brett, Chair
President, The New England Council

Christopher Andry, Ph.D.
Tracy Atkinson
Robert Bagdasarian
Subhadeep Basu
Brett Bell
Scott Borchardt
Dan Burke
Brian Cusack
Rick Daswani
Cindy Haddad
Kristin Hilf
Jamie Katzman
Judi Kotanchik
James Lawson
Mary Lou Maloney
Mary Ellen Mayo
Jean Phelps
Janet Sweeney Rico, Ph.D.
Peter Sally
Maura Sullivan
Theresa Varnet
Gianfranco Zaccai

Staff
Katrin Aback
Kalea Amundson
Katerina Daley

Emcee
Jackie Bruno