Housing Families Honors Former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey
Healey to be Recognized at Housing Families’ 25th Anniversary Gala this November
Malden, Mass., – (August 8, 2012) – Housing Families Inc. (HFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe temporary shelter, affordable housing and support services to families in Massachusetts, today announced it will honor former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey at its 25th anniversary gala for her lifetime commitment to supporting the homeless community in Massachusetts through her public and private roles. The gala represents 25 years of Housing Families Inc. working to end family homelessness in Massachusetts. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 10 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston’s vibrant Seaport District.
“It is truly an honor to receive this award,” said Lt. Governor Healey. “As Lieutenant Governor, I had the honor of working with outstanding organizations like Housing Families to address the challenge of ending family homelessness. The cause remains near and dear to my heart, and I am thrilled to be a part of this organization’s efforts to support the 21,000 homeless and at risk residents in the Commonwealth.”
During her time on Beacon Hill, Lt. Governor Healey was an advocate of and leader for causes relating to distressed women, children and the homeless, visiting Housing Families several times during her term to see firsthand the difficulties homeless and at risk families face every day. She was the Chair of the Commission on Domestic Violence for former Governor Mitt Romney, and also served on the Kitchen Cabinet for the One Family Scholars Program and was a member of the Board for the National Center on Family Homelessness. Healey’s dedication to public service continues today as she leads the Friends of the Public/Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and training to Afghan lawyers at American law schools.
“Lt. Governor Healey continues to do fantastic work on behalf of homeless and at risk families in Massachusetts,” said HFI President David Barbato. “She sets a great example of community service for us all and we are thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary by honoring her.”
Maria Stephanos of FOX 25 News will emcee the wine and food anniversary event at the beautiful Seaport Hotel in Boston’s up-and-coming Seaport District. The “Family Affair” themed, first-of-its-kind gala will feature nine local celebrity chefs presenting various signature ethnic dishes for attendees, who include Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Tom Menino, as a reminder of the importance of family togetherness.
Funds raised from ticket sales will benefit Housing Families’ efforts to provide shelter, affordable homes and support to homeless families in the state through programs such as Children’s Services and the Housing Stability Fund. Through the generous support of donors and volunteers, Housing Families has grown from a tri-city provider of programs in Everett, Malden and Medford, to a major service provider in more than 25 Greater Boston cities and towns.
About Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healy
Kerry Healy, the 70th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, has been an active member of the community throughout her career, advocating for a number of issues related to women, children and homelessness. She received an A.B. in government from Harvard College, and Ph.D. in Political Science and law from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. She currently serves as TV Host of Shining City on the New England Sports Network.
About Housing Families Inc. (HFI)
Housing Families Inc. works to break the cycle of family homelessness in Boston’s Metro North cities of Everett, Malden, and Medford. HFI provides safe and temporary shelter and quality affordable housing along with individualized supportive services to enrich children’s lives and nurture the potential of each family member. By addressing these needs, HFI hopes to help families maintain permanent housing. For more information, please visit: www.housingfamilies.org.
About A Family Affair
This is HFI’s 2nd A Family Affair Gala. The inaugural gala honored the late Edward A. Fish in 2007. This year’s Gala will feature nine celebrity chefs to include: Will Gilson, Chef/Owner of bridgestreet Restaurant; Andy Husbands, Chef/Owner of Tremont 647 and Sister Sorel; Marc Orfaly, Chef/Owner of Pigalle; Michael Schlow, Chef/Owner of Radius, Via Matta, Tico, Happy’s bar + kitchen, and Alta Strada Restaurants; Jeremy Sewall, Chef/Owner of Lineage and Island Creek Oyster Bar; Jason Santos, Chef/Owner of Blue Inc.; Carla & Christine Pallotta, Chefs/Owners nebo Restaurant; and Tiffani Faison, Chef/Owner of Sweet Cheeks. The night’s entertainment will feature Massachusetts’ native and “American Idol” star, Siobhan Magnus, who will perform two sets at the 25th Anniversary Gala. Siobhan is currently planning to tour andsupport her new album.
