29th Annual Arthritis Charity Ball to Honor Congressman James McGovern

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Submitted

WORCESTER, MA-The 29th annual Arthritis Charity Ball will be held on December 20th at The Manor restaurant, continuing a nearly three-decade tradition of raising funds for arthritis research and support programs.

This year’s event will honor Congressman James McGovern for his long-standing public service and advocacy. Clarence Plant of Odd Fellows, who founded the event more than 30 years ago, spoke with Talk of the Commonwealth about the origins of the Charity Ball and its enduring mission of giving back.

Plant said the event began as a way to support a cause that impacts far more people than many realize. “One in five Americans lives with arthritis, including more than 300,000 children,” he noted, emphasizing that arthritis is not just a disease of the elderly, as is often assumed.

Over its nearly 30-year history, the Arthritis Charity Ball has raised millions of dollars for the Arthritis Foundation, helping fund research, education, and programs that improve quality of life for those affected by the disease.

The annual gathering has become a cornerstone charitable event in the region, combining advocacy, awareness, and community support in the fight against arthritis.