DANVERS — Northeast Arc, a not-for-profit organization that helps children and adults with disabilities and autism become full participants in the community, recently recognized Reading resident Paul Kurker at its 56th annual golf tournament.
Kurker, a senior vice president and team leader at Eastern Bank, has been a champion of Northeast Arc’s Mike Frangos Commodore Golf Tournament, the longest running charity golf tournament in the country, for more than 30 years. He joined the golf committee shortly after Mark Thompson became the tournament chair when founder Mike Frangos retired in 1994, and Kurker has supported Charlie Brophy, the current chair, since he succeeded Thompson in 2017.
“Paul has been a committed volunteer from the start, recruiting sponsors and golfers and soliciting drawing prizes and auction items to help ensure the success of the event,” said Jo Ann Simons, president and CEO of Northeast Arc. “He became Northeast Arc’s banker in 2012, supporting the organization through a great period of growth and change.”
In addition to his volunteer work for Northeast Arc, Kurker has contributed his time and talent as treasurer of the Board of HAWC. He also serves as treasurer of the Board of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce and was honored by that organization as a 2024 Distinguished Leader Award recipient.
“Paul Kurker’s outstanding contributions of the tournament in support of Northeast Arc’s mission carries on Mike Frangos’ generous spirit, which made him the perfect recipient of the 2025 Mike Frangos Award,” added Simons.
Kurker was presented with a painting of Myopia by artist Meghan Scire, who participates in Northeast Arc’s Steps to Create program, by Frango’s daughter Diane Walsh and her husband Mike Walsh.
