Press Release: BARCC’s Annual Champions for Change Gala & Auction to Take Place November 3

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) announces today that tickets are available for its annual Champions for Change Gala & Auction, which will take place Friday, November 3, 2017, 6:00–11:00 p.m. at Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, 606 Congress Street, Boston. All proceeds raised support BARCC’s direct services to survivors of sexual violence and its public education and advocacy work to enact social change.

Robert M. Carney (Hull, MA), a partner at Sherin and Lodgen, will be honored as the Champion for Change for his decade-long service as a generous ally to BARCC and advocate for survivors. Medical Advocate Ashley Wells of Jamaica Plain, Community Awareness and Prevention Services volunteer Walker Bristol of Somerville, and Hotline volunteer Enid Levangie of Chestnut Hill will be honored as BARCC’s Volunteers of the Year.

The event will also feature Kalie Wilkerson, a survivor of sexual violence, speaking about her experience and how BARCC’s services changed her life.

“Our annual Champions for Change Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our most dedicated supporters, as well as the impact they have on survivors and the broader culture,” said BARCC Executive Director Gina Scaramella. “We’re extremely grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, patrons, and Gala attendees that makes our work with survivors of sexual violence possible.”

Auctioneer Erin Ward will host live and silent auctions. Items available for auction include stays at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea and Westin Excelsior in Florence, Italy; four fifth-row seats for a Patriots game; tickets for a taping of Watch What Happens Live in New York City; an autographed Rob Gronkowski jersey; and several tropical and staycation adventures. Entertainment will be provided by Katie Zuman of DJZ Entertainment.

Sponsors of the Champions for Change Gala & Auction include Sherin and Lodgen, Uber,  Bentley University, Boston IT Services, Harvard University Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Northeastern University, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Berklee College of Music, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Curry College, Eastern Bank, Eaton Vance, Execuspace Construction Corporation, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Partners HealthCare.

Early bird ticket pricing is available until September 30 with tickets at $225 per person and tables of 10 available for $2,000 each. Regular pricing begins October 1, with tickets priced at $250 per person and tables of 10 at $2,250. Tickets and tables are available online at www.bit.ly/BARCCgala or by calling 617-492-8306.

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About Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)

Since 1973, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) has been a leader in the movement to end sexual violence. BARCC empowers survivors of sexual violence to heal and provides education and advocacy for the social change needed to prevent sexual violence. BARCC provides free, confidential support to survivors of sexual violence and their families and friends. It also works with high schools, colleges, police, organizations, and communities to advocate for change by providing training in how to respond to survivors and create cultures that prevent sexual violence in the first place. For more information, please visit www.barcc.org. Follow BARCC on social media: Twitter @barcc; Instagram @barccofficial; Facebook /barcc.org.