WEBSTER, MA — The Center of Hope Foundation is proud to announce its 70th Anniversary Gala: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future, taking place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 5:30 to 9:30 PM at Samuel Slater’s Restaurant on Webster Lake. This momentous event marks seven decades of the organization’s unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Central Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut.
Founded in 1956 as a grassroots school for children with disabilities, the Center of Hope has evolved into a powerhouse of community support, now serving over 700 families across 64 towns. Today, the agency offers a vast array of services, including day habilitation, vocational training through for-profit businesses like Hope’s Treasures Thrift Store, Scoops of Hope, and Just the Details.
“This milestone is a celebration of the thousands of lives shaped and uplifted by our mission over the last 70 years,” said Erika Burrow, CEO and President of The Center of Hope Foundation. “We are coming together not just to look back at our rich history, but to ignite our vision for a future of even greater inclusion and opportunity.”
Event Highlights Include:
- Atmosphere: A dressy-casual cocktail reception with live music and scenic views of Webster Lake.
- Dining: A delicious buffet prepared by the culinary team at Samuel Slater’s Restaurant.
- Fundraising: A silent auction featuring unique items and experiences to support the Foundation’s ongoing programs.
- Tribute: A special presentation commemorating the legacy of Cindy and Jim Howard whose combined dedication was instrumental in expanding the Foundation from a small workshop into the comprehensive resource it is today.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. For more information on the 70th Anniversary Gala or to support the Center of Hope Foundation’s mission, please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/70th-anniversary-and-howard-legacy-gala or contact the Foundation at (508) 764-4085.
About the Center of Hope Foundation
The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides essential resources, vocational training, and community integration for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A chapter of The Arc since 1956, the Foundation remains dedicated to promoting the dignity and independence of every individual it serves.
