TURNERS FALLS — The United Arc and Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts are teaming up for a fundraising event aimed at raising money to support the individuals and families The United Arc serves.

The organizations are putting on “RemArcable,” a joint performance featuring The United Arc’s staff and clients, Ja’Duke students and community members, as they take on 20 different musical numbers from numerous productions, such as “Six,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Grease.” The first show will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a matinee on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m.

Ja’Duke President Kim Williams said the theater tries to support a community organization or agency each year, and chose The United Arc this time around because of its reaffirmed commitment to serving the community after a tumultuous 2021. The United Arc, which was founded in 1951, serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Worcester counties. At its last fundraising performance, Ja’Duke raised nearly $20,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin.

“We thought this would be a good time to get behind them and support those efforts,” Williams said of The United Arc, adding that the agency being based in Turners Falls is a bonus for the theater.

The performance will feature nearly 100 cast members and is expected to run about an hour and 15 minutes, with a short intermission. There are two tiers of tickets, with regular tickets — including processing fees — going for $16, $12 for senior citizens and children, and then an all-star ticket for $25, which includes the regular ticket price and an additional donation. The event is underwritten by Greenfield Savings Bank.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or on Ja’Duke’s website at bit.ly/3YiaGMl.

United Arc CEO Fred Warren said the show represents a “great opportunity” for The United Arc, and all proceeds will go toward helping the agency make the dreams of its individuals come true.

“Our initiative this year is to try and set up events for our families and our individuals,” Warren said, noting some of the experiences requested include visiting the New England Aquarium or Six Flags. “Our hope is to make some dreams come true — some had dreams to be on stage.”

There will also be a basket raffle and additional opportunities to donate on the night of the show.

While the event’s main purpose is to raise money for the people served, Warren said it’s also a chance to highlight everyone involved with The United Arc.

“I think the best part about this is it’s an opportunity for us to highlight some of the amazing individuals and families that are a part of The Arc,” Warren said, “and also to take a moment to say thanks and recognize the amazing work that’s not only done by our staff, but anyone working in human services.”

Warren and Williams said RemArcable came together because Warren is an active participant in the theater’s programs and it seemed like a natural fit, even if it’s outside the realm of typical service agency fundraising.

“I think it’s something different, not just for us, but human services in general for the most part,” Warren said.

Ja’Duke founder Nick Waynelovich added that The United Arc’s mission is “driven in every conversation” by its staff and this is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together.

“Not only is it fundraising,” he said, “it’s completely community-driven.”

Similarly, Williams said the event is a chance to raise money for The United Arc, while providing an entertaining show for the public.

“Our biggest goal is to support The Arc,” Williams said. “And better than giving money, you can be entertained.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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