Voices & Visions 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010

The Home Announces Annual Gala, Honoring Dennis Eckersley

BOSTON — The Home for Little Wanderers (The Home), the nation’s oldest child and family service agency and one of New England’s largest, will hold its annual signature fundraising gala, Voices & Visions, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at the Seaport World Trade Center. The Home is delighted to honor Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley this year for his long-time friendship and commitment to the non-profit’s mission. In addition to the presentation of Eckersley’s award, the gala will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, an exhibit of children’s art, and a dinner program. Also, this year marks the introduction of the Sabino Marinella award which will be given annually to recognize individual achievement and/or dedication to The Home’s mission.

Commenting on this year’s honoree, The Home’s President and CEO, Joan Wallace-Benjamin, said “Dennis’ 24-year career in Major League Baseball stands out as one of the finest for any pitcher. He has been a good friend to The Home for several years and all of us are delighted to finally have the opportunity to honor him for his commitment to making a difference in the lives of children at risk, their families, and their communities.”

Eckersley has helped to elevate The Home’s visibility at events such as golf tournaments, Design Home, and the Big Wishes Gift Drive. He has generously donated signed baseball memorabilia for The Home’s online and silent auctions. As part of Voices & Visions 2009, Eckersley hosted young artists from The Home’s Knight Children’s Center in NESN broadcast booth at Fenway Park and signed paper mache baseballs that they created for last year’s Voices & Visions art exhibit.

Voices & Visions is the culmination of a year-long, innovative arts project throughout The Home’s many programs. The project strives to teach positive ways of self-expression and is very therapeutic for children with emotional and behavioral challenges. This year’s theme, “Outer Space and Beyond,” allows children to share their many emotions and a piece of themselves using 3-D art, poems, and stories.

For Voices & Visions 2010 sponsorship and ticket information, visit www.thehome.org/vv10. Event Co-chairs are John T. Hailer, Natixis Global Asset Management and John F. Fish, Suffolk Construction. All proceeds from the event will enable The Home to continue enhancing our programming for children in many ways, including expanding visual arts, music and vocational education, and implementing a health and wellness initiative.

About Dennis Eckersley
Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004, Dennis Eckersley was named one of the 100 greatest players of the century on Major League Baseball’s All-Century Team. During his career, he recorded 100 complete games as a starter and saved 390 games as a closer, becoming the only pitcher in MLB history to reach 100 in each category. Other accolades include the 1992 Cy Young and MVP awards, and he’s a six-time All-Star. Today, Eckersley is a studio analyst and broadcaster for TBS and NESN, and he co-hosts the popular Boston Red Sox pre-game and post-game shows. In addition to his work with children’s charities, Dennis is active with various homeless shelters and sober living houses.