Carats & Cocktails

Diamond Dust and Dazzling Decades of Support

The Arc Baltimore celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a glittering Carats & Cocktails bash, presented by Mutual of America, on Saturday, October 18th, transforming the Maryland Science Center into a dazzling playground of celebration and fundraising.

Three hundred fifty guests came together for an immensely fun and meaningful evening, raising their glasses—and nearly $140,000—to toast 75 years of supporting people with developmental disabilities.

The atmosphere was electric with excitement from the start. Guests enjoyed sipping Old Line Spirits’ Old Fashioneds while exploring the science exhibits, with the smooth, soulful sounds of Nelly’s Echo setting the mood. Attendees mingled and enthusiastically bid on unique, inspiring art crafted by people supported by The Arc in a silent auction. The stakes were even higher with a chance to win a dreamy trip to Tuscany and a thrilling scavenger hunt for a real diamond with the help of Nelson Coleman Jewelers.

A touching highlight was the premiere of the new mission video, “From the Foundation to the Future,” a powerful film celebrating The Arc’s incredible journey from its humble beginnings to looking to the future through the eyes of kiddos with disabilities.

The night concluded in high gear as legendary DJ Landis Expandis took over the decks, laying down an irresistible beat that kept guests dancing the night away. Thanks to the generosity and spirit of everyone who attended, The Arc Baltimore is well-positioned for its next 75 years of life-changing mission.

Fund The Arc's Mission

For over 75 years, The Arc Baltimore has been a lifeline for families, championing a world where every person with a disability is valued. It began in 1950, when four sets of parents gathered in a Baltimore kitchen and dared to dream bigger—to see their children live, learn, and belong in their communities. That dream grew into The Arc Baltimore, replacing exclusion with opportunity. Today, inclusion is the expectation, not the exception. Yet our work continues to ensure every person can thrive. Your generosity carries that founding vision forward—creating a future where all people are valued, their voices are heard, and their impact is felt.