Northeast Arc To Honor North Shore Changing Lives Award Winner At Gala

DANVERS, MA — RoAnn Costin, the founder and president of Wilderness Point Investments, will be honored for her long-standing support of the Northeast Arc and its fundraising efforts at the North Shore nonprofit's annual An Evening of Changing Lives event at Encore Boston Harbor.

The June 8 gala is the signature event each year for the organization that helps children and adults with, or who are at risk of developing, disabilities become full participants in the community.

Costin will be honored at the event that features an inclusive fashion show where those in Northeast Arc support programs are paired with local celebrities and business executives to highlight their abilities.

"The Changing Lives award recognizes RoAnn's long-time support of Northeast Arc and her commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities," Northeast Arc President and CEO Jo Ann Simons said. "RoAnn is a passionate philanthropist, and Northeast Arc has been the beneficiary of not just her financial support, but her gracious nature, collaborative spirit, and contagious energy."

Lt. Gov. and former Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll will present Costin with the Changing Lives Award.

"I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of this year's Changing Lives Award," Costin said. "I'm proud to support the Northeast Arc and its mission of changing the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

"As a member of the organization's advisory board, I see this mission in action firsthand and look forward to continuing to support it."

Longtime TV reporter and radio host Kim Carrigan will host the event, which will feature celebrity models that include Olympic track and field star Heather MacLean, of Peabody.

Other "celebrity" models scheduled to appear include Jenny Holaday, President of Encore Boston Harbor; Jimmy Keith, Actor, "Champions"; Shirley Leung, Columnist and Associate Editor, Boston Globe; Mary Beth McMahon, President & CEO, Special Olympics Massachusetts; Kevin McGovern, New England Managing Partner, Deloitte; Carolina Trujillo, Executive Director, Citizens Inn; Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and other surprise guests.

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets to the Northeast Arc's An Evening of Changing Lives event are available here or by contacting Kacy Jauron at KJauron@ne-arc.org.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)