John Michael Associates, Inc. (JMA), a Newington promotional marketing firm, has raised $20,000 for a new multi-purpose building planned by Favarh aimed at promoting independence and an active and healthy lifestyle for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The vehicle the company used to raise the money was a private concert by the Marshall Tucker Band.
Hosted by John and Sara Papa, JMA’s president and CEO, respectively at their home in Avon, the event was to benefit Favarh’s Life Education Center, an innovative facility to be located nearby Favarh’s headquarters on Commerce Drive, Canton. Once constructed, the Center will include computer labs, teaching kitchens highlighted by “the Health Choices Café,” classrooms and activity space. So far, $1.74 million has been raised for the $2 million Center.
“Favarh is an outstanding organization that does great work supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is highly respected in the region and is truly worthy of our efforts,” said John Papa. “We were happy to help, especially since we were able to enlist the legendary Marshall Tucker Band to entertain.”
The private concert was the fourth fundraiser the Papa’s have conducted, each benefiting a different local organization.
“We’re immensely grateful to JMA, the Papa family and their guests for their generosity,” said Stephen Morris, Favarh’s executive director. “It is wonderful benefactors like them that allow programs like ours to grow.”
JMA is a full-service marketing company that specializes in the development and execution of corporate branding programs using quality logo merchandise. The company has been recognized since 1980 as an industry leader by providing its customers with superior service, premium products and continuous innovation, allowing them to create and sustain brand loyalty. JMA is recognized by the ASI and PPAI as a Top 50 Distributor in the Promotional Services Industry. JMA is a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) that is certified by the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Favarh, was founded in 1958 by eight local families who all wanted a better life for their children with intellectual disabilities. Today, Favarh (pronounced “Fay-var”) is a local chapter of the Arc, the world’s largest community based organization for people with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities. Favarh supports more than 350 children, young adults, adults, seniors and families throughout the Greater Farmington Valley area and beyond.
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