Meb Speaks, Boston’s Catholic Charities Raise $1.2 Million

Catholic Charities Annual Spring Celebration Raises MORE THAN $1.2 Million

The Event Featured Remarks by Cardinal Sean O’Malley and Keynote Address by Boston Marathon Winner Meb Keflezighi

BOSTON ‰ÛÓ May 16, 2014 ‰ÛÓ On May 15, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston held its annual Spring Celebration at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.
The event raised more than $1.2 million to fund the agency’s programs
and services that support more than 200,000 people in need throughout
Eastern Massachusetts.

 

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Some
of the highlights of the event were Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley’s
opening remarks as well as the keynote address by Boston Marathon Winner
Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi. Keflezighi, an Eritrean-born long distance
runner, who arrived in the U.S. in 1987 and became an American citizen
in 1998, spoke about the personal challenges of being an immigrant, as
well as the life-changing support that he received from Catholic
Charities.

 

“I
have never taken for granted my U.S. Citizenship. Every day I work hard
both personally and professionally to make my family and country proud
of who I am and proud of my contributions to this great country. Just as
in a marathon, a great support team is needed for any individual to
succeed. I’m thankful for all those who have supported me and my family
all along the way and thankful that we in return can offer support to
others who want to embrace all of the opportunities this country has to
offer,” said Keflezighi.

 

At
the event, Catholic Charities honored John Drew of Drew Company with
the “2014 Justice and Compassion Award” for his extensive philanthropic
contributions, social impact on the community and commitment to Boston
residents. John Drew is the founder and president of Drew Company and a
pioneer in the revitalization of the South Boston Seaport District.

 

“Our
organization is so fortunate to have donors who recognize the growing
population of those in need and the impact that our services and
programs can have on their wellbeing, said Deborah Kincade Rambo,
president of Catholic Charities. This year was particularly special in
that we were delighted to have Meb Keflezighi, who came to the United
States with his family as a refugee from their war-torn country, speak
about the impact that organizations like Catholic Charities had on his
life by helping him become integrated in the community and achieve
remarkable success. We were also thrilled to honor John Drew, who
truly exemplifies Catholic Charities’ mission of building a just and
compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people.”

 

More
than 400 guests joined Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, Meb Keflezighi,
John Drew and event co-chairs Joe Baerlein, President of Rasky Baerlein
Strategic Communications and John Remondi, Executive Vice President at
Fidelity Investments, in celebrating and supporting the important work
of Catholic Charities. The event featured blessings from Reverend J.
Bryan Hehir, remarks from Jim Gallagher, Executive Vice President,
General Counsel & Chief Administrative Officer, John Hancock
Financial Services, and Chair of the Catholic Charities Board of
Trustees. Mike Sheehan, CEO of The Boston Globe was master of
ceremonies.

 

 

About Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Boston
For
more than 110 years, Catholic Charities has continued its mission of
building a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all
people. The agency provides nearly 100 programs and services throughout
Eastern Massachusetts. These services respond to the needs of the poor
and working poor, provide supportive services to children and families,
and assist refugees and immigrants as they become active participants in
their communities. Last year, Catholic Charities served more than
200,000 people in need, regardless of faith. To discover more of our
work, visit www.ccab.org.