Elected officials that were among the many dignitaries that attended the North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) recent fundraising celebration that raised nearly $40,000 to aid low income and senior citizens who turn to the Center for assistance.
Attending were: Senator Joe Boncore, Representative Aaron Michlewitz and District Counselor Lydia Edwards.
Bouna Sera: An Evening with Friends, Master of ceremonies was Ron Della Chiesa of WGBH and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Maria Stella Gulla, Director, ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center, thanked all those at the WilmerHale reception effusively and addressed the crowd to highlight the need for the center’s educational and human services.
“Although we serve all low-income age groups, most of our clients are seniors. The ABCD North End/West End NSC, a satellite office of Action for Boston Community Development, New England’s largest anti-poverty agency, enables elders to remain active and independent through social activities that mitigate isolation; exercise classes, food access, and nutrition education that promote good health; volunteer opportunities that give the seniors a sense of purpose; case management and services that help them access benefits for which they are eligible. Seniors also access many of the other services ABCD offers, such as fuel assistance, food pantries, and foreclosure prevention services, enabling them to continue to live independently in their homes.
NSC Director Maria Stella Gulla, who grew up in the North End, noted that since 2011 this innovative event has raised nearly $300,000 for educational and recreational programs and human services that the center offers. Here in our neighborhoods, we have hundreds of seniors aging in place who have lived in the North End since their childhood or in the case of the West End, are thrilled to come back after having neighborhood development forced their eviction in the 1950s.
ABCD’s Buona Sera wouldn’t be possible without Restaurant Hosts: Antico Forno, Aria Trattoria, Artu, Boston Sail Loft, Bricco, Mamma Maria, Prezza, Ristorante Euno, Ristorante Fiore, Ristorante Saraceno, and Terramia Ristorante. Wine Reception sponsors WilmerHale hosted the reception, Star Market supported expenses with a generous gift card; local North End merchant Cirace Liquors for donating the wine.