We are excited to invite the community to this year's Annual Event on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Kool Family Community Center in Battle Creek, presented by Honor Credit Union. The theme for this year’s event is "Illuminate Inclusion” and will highlight the fundamental importance of choice, advocacy, and belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Attendees can look forward to an engaging evening featuring a delicious dinner, silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. They will also be able to explore interactive storytelling displays created by self-advocates that will share what inclusion means from their own unique perspective.
“We hope to bring stories and images of inclusion contributed and selected by people with disabilities. In doing so, maybe we will come away realizing how all of us have that need for belonging,” said Clare Tanner, our Executive Director.
This year's theme is designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities are the ones leading the conversation. The event also serves as a platform to share our rich history and highlight the ongoing efforts of our staff and community partners.
“It is important to raise funds to support the important work The Arc does in our community,” said Chuck Asher, Board President. “It is just as important to tell our story and highlight the great work being done by The Arc staff and partners and how it benefits our clients, their families and the community.”
The goal of this year's event is to raise $25,000 which will directly support our programs.
“The Annual Fundraiser is vital because it helps ensure we can continue providing advocacy, education, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout our community,” said Lisa Wolf, Business Manager. “While
grants and other funding sources help sustain many of our services, fundraising allows us to address needs that aren't covered by traditional funding, expand programs, and respond to emerging opportunities.”
To make the celebration accessible to everyone, we are encouraging community members to participate in a ticket-sharing initiative. General public tickets are $75, and those who are unable to attend but still wish to support the mission can purchase and donate a ticket for a person with a disability who otherwise could not afford one.
Local businesses, organizations and individuals can also support the event through three sponsorship levels: Bronze ($250), Silver ($500), and Gold ($1,000). All sponsorship levels include tickets to the event.
For more information on becoming a sponsor, donating silent auction items or purchasing tickets visit theacrcalhoun.org
Click here to become a sponsor, donate to the event, or purchase tickets.
