Charles River The Lamp Fall 2021 for Web - Flipbook - Page 7
n Charles River Center | The Lamp
n Charles River Center | The Lamp
A SPECTACULAR EVENING
O
ur 25th Annual Building A Dream Gala was a huge success! The “virtual” event,
which was held on May 6, 2021, featured Tom Leyden, Fox 25 News Sports
Director as master of ceremonies, and Mike “Sarge” Riley, Boston Sports Radio
Personality, as auctioneer.
The Maria McTernan Leadership Award was presented to Golf For All, a non-profit organization dedicated to
transforming the lives of all people with disabilities, or who are experiencing hardships, by providing free
accessibility to the game of golf. Many of our own persons-served have benefitted from their programs.
Fred Corcoran, Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Andy Doyle, a participant in our Day Services Program, was honored with
the Lifetime Achievement Award. Andy, who first started coming to the
Charles River Center in 2007, worked for seven years as the Front Desk
Coordinator at the Paul Merritt Center, and is now a permanent employee
at Pabian Law, LLC. Andy is a true success story because of his hard work
and determination and he serves as an inspiration and role model to
his peers.
Tom Leyden, emcee, streaming
from the Boston 25 News Studio
Andy Doyle, Mike
“Sarge” Riley, Fred
Over 250 people tuned in for the live stream event, which raised over
Corcoran, and Charles
$100,000 through live and online auctions. These funds will enable us
River Center President,
to explore new and innovative ways to deliver programs and services,
Anne-Marie Bajwa
including hybrid day programs, residential expansion, and adaptive
strategies for supporting persons served and their families.
Thank you to all our generous sponsors and to all who participated
that evening. We could not have done it without you!
TOGETHER AGAIN. AT LAST.
W
e were so thrilled that that two of our annual community events – the Ellie
Bloom Special Olympics and the 5K Run/1 Mile Walk – were in-person
events this year. These back-to-back events were a huge success, filled with smiles
and laughter, and the joy of being able to gather in person again.
Ellie Bloom Special Olympics
More than 100 athletes and over 25
volunteers participated in the Ellie
Bloom Special Olympics on Saturday,
September 18 at DeFazio Field in
Needham. Now in its 32nd year, the
eponymous event is held in memory
of Ellie, who worked hard to develop
quality programs for her daughter
and others.
Individual events included ladder ball,
a basketball toss, an obstacle course,
a soccer kick, relay, running and
wheelchair races, bowling, and corn
hole among others. All activities
were modified so that everyone could
participate.
All athletes received a t-shirt and a
medal, and enjoyed a complimentary
lunch after the event, courtesy of
Roche Bros. A special shout out to the
volunteers from Needham Women’s
Club who organized the post-festivities
luncheon and to Needham Golf
Club Charities, which has been a
longstanding supporter of the event.
Mike “Sarge” Riley served as auctioneer
11th Annual 5K Run/1 Mile Walk
It was a beautiful day for the 11th Annual 5K Run/1 Mile Walk, which was
held on Sunday, September 26th. More than 500 runners and walkers joined
us this year. They were accompanied by over 100 volunteers and supporters,
who cheered on the runners and walkers and helped make sure everything
ran smoothly.
Congratulations to our top male and female 5K finishers – Matthew Newman
who finished the race in 17:41 and Jessica DiSlivestro whom completed the
course in 22:35.
Thank you to all the runners, walkers and volunteers, Plugged-In Band for
providing entertainment at the finish line, the Needham and Wellesley Police
for keeping everyone safe on the course and, of course, to the following
generous sponsors:
Event
Water Station
McCoy and Associates, Inc.
Chaston Associates
Platinum
Silver
Koko Fit Club
Dedham Savings
Dunn Gaherin’s
N & T Auto Repair
Needham Bank
Needham Collision
Gold
Pure Boston
Global Property Services
Seha Wound Care
and Hyperbarics
G.D. McCarthy Site
& Utility
North Hill
Pinewood Custom
Homes, Inc.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NEC
CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
In Kind
Abbott’s Frozen Custard
Berkshire Hathaway Home
Services/Commonwealth
Real Estate
Anna’s Taqueria
Connell Roofing
Economised Time Services
Forness Financial
T
Players enjoyed lunch, golf, a post-golf cocktail reception, as well as dinner followed
by prize presentations. The event also included an online auction, which raised
close to $5,000.
Rotary Club of Needham
All proceeds from the tournament will help support new program initiatives at the
Charles River Center, including residential expansion, hybrid day programs, and
adaptive strategies for supporting individuals and their families.
The Callahan Crew
Bronze
Kerivan-Lane, Inc.
his summer’s first heat wave did not stop the over 100 golfers who participated
in the 33rd Annual Needham Exchange Club Charity Golf Tournament, which was
held on Monday, June 7th at the beautiful LeBaron Hills Country Club in Lakeville, MA.
Mile Marker
Latina Kitchen and Bar
Lawrence Waste Services
Bay State Physical Therapy
Crescent Ridge Dairy
Exchange Club of Needham
Kettle Cuisine
Needham House of Pizza
Nicholas’ Pizzeria
Town House of Pizza
Wegmans
Volante Farms
Your CBD Store
Many thanks to the Needham Exchange Club Charity Golf Tournament Committee
Co-Chairs Paul and Phil Robey as well as the many sponsors, donors and volunteers,
all of whom helped make this year’s event a resounding success!!
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A leader in supporting people with disabilities
A leader in supporting people with disabilities
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