Berry to be Feted at Soldout Event in Danvers Tonight

Outgoing state Senator and Peabody native Fred Berry will be honored at a soldout event at on Thursday night.

Berry, a Democrat who was born with cerebral palsy, was first elected to the state Senate in 1982. In recent years, he has served as the Majority Leader. Over his 30 years in office, among other accomplishments, Berry has been considered a champion for fellow residents with disabilities.

. The district includes Peabody, Salem, Beverly, Danvers and Topsfield.

Berry graduated from and . Before he was elected to the Senate, he served two terms on the Peabody City Council.

Nelson Benton, who recently retired as editorial page editor of the Salem News, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies Thursday night.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the Fred Berry Charitable Fund and local food pantries. Since its creation in 1982, his charitable fund has raised more than $1 million. It hosts a popular golf tournament each year. In recent years, he has also organized a high profile food drive each year during the holiday season.

Berry’s successor will be decided by voters in November. Salem City Council President Joan Lovely . She had just days before the primary. She will face Republican Richard Jolitz of Beverly, who Berry defeated in 2010.