Boston Senior Home Care celebrated its annual fundraiser on October 16th when over 250 of the agency’s supporters gathered for “Forever at Home” at The Mandarin Oriental Boston. Thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of countless sponsors, donors, auction supporters, and volunteers, we raised $218,000 total, including $9,000 raised in the room that evening for the Fund-A-Need program. Monies raised from Fund-A-Need will help us start a unique respite program for caregivers enrolled in our Family Caregiver and Adult Foster Care programs.

The spectacular evening, hosted by former Emmy award winning Channel 5 newscaster Susan Wornick, featured two new awards given to devoted members of the community. State Rep. Kate Hogan presented the Legislative Award to State Rep. Aaron Michelwitz, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, for his work as a diligent advocate for the needs of working families, and as a leader in ensuring quality and affordable healthcare for all residents. The Community Advocacy Award was given to Cathy Dunham, former Vice President of the Preservation of Affordable Housing, by Former Governor Michael Dukakis, for her long and distinguished career in health and human services, advocating for children, people with mental health issues, and the elderly.

In addition, the evening featured a silent auction with online bidding for items such as a luxury stay at the Mandarin Oriental Boston and Luxury Suite tickets to a Patriot’s game! Guests also enjoyed delicious food and drinks as well as live music by Rich DiMare.

Perhaps the most impactful moment of the evening was when Joanne Keane spoke about her experience as a primary care giver for her 99 year-old mother, Stella. Joanne also spoke about her experience with Boston Senior Home Care and in her words, “I’m grateful for Boston Senior Home Care because with their help, I can honor my mother's desire to remain at home instead of in a nursing home as she ages. Keeping the elderly in the community where they can live happily is how we, as a society, can support each other as we all age.”

Guests also heard remarks by Boston Senior Home Care’s CEO, Meg Hogan; Board President, W. Karl Baker; former Governor, Michael Dukakis; and State Rep. Kate Hogan.

Special thanks to Joanne McMahan for spearheading the event and to our guests who made the evening so special. We look forward to seeing everyone again when we host “Forever at Home” in 2020. (Photo credit: Marcel Laurol)