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Voices & Visions Gala Brings Out Record Number of Supporters Event Raises $1 million for Children's Services It was another record breaking year at The Home for Little Wanderers’ annual Voices & Visions gala. More than 1,100 guests attended the May 23rd fundraiser at the Seaport World Trade Center and close to $1 million was raised. As the nation’s oldest child and family service agency, The Home’s programs across Eastern Massachusetts touch the lives of more than 7,000 children and families each year. The evening featured a powerful exhibit of visual arts and creative writing by children in the organization’s residential, special education and community-based programs. Created through an innovative year-long art project, this year’s artwork on the theme “celebrating heroes” allowed children to creatively portray their respect for heroes, both real and fictional. Children had an opportunity to explore all different types of heroes from comic book characters with supernatural powers to famous figures whose actions have changed the world and “everyday” heroes who make the world a better place. They also had a chance to reflect on people in their own lives who have inspired them. “Voices & Visions is a magical event that allows the community to celebrate the imaginative spirit of children and everyone who is making a difference in their lives,” said Joan Wallace-Benjamin, President and CEO, The Home for Little Wanderers. “Programs like Voices & Visions are an example of why art education is important. When young artists are encouraged to express their emotions through art and creative writing, anything is possible. Children are given an opportunity to heal and grow.” Other highlights from the evening include a surprise Flash Mob to move guests from the cocktail reception to dinner and a Twitter Lounge where guests were encouraged to share their thoughts about the event using the Twitter hashtag #VV12. In addition to celebrating youth, Voices & Visions 2012 honored two outstanding individuals for making a difference in the work of The Home. Robert K. Sheridan, President and CEO, The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts (SBLI) was recognized for his good corporate citizenship and support of community-based charities throughout New England. In addition to sponsoring Voices & Visions for the past eight years, SBLI has made it possible for children in our care to attend many Celtics and New England Patriots’ games, as well as Boston Pops concerts over the holidays. Virginia Griffin, longtime volunteer at The Home and owner of Watson’s Candies in Walpole received this year’s Sabino Marinella Award. Named in memory of friend, supporter and board member of The Home, this annual award recognizes individual achievement and/or dedication to our mission. For many years, Virginia has been a loyal advocate for the youth at our Longview Farm program, creating work opportunities for the boys in her store and forming Friends of the Boys at Longview Farm, a charity to provide students with gifts, holiday dinners and special events. According Wallace-Benjamin, “Events such as this help us to continue providing the best possible care for the thousands of children we serve.” Title sponsors of Voices & Visions 2012 include Natixis Global Asset Management and MFS Investment Management. All proceeds from the event will enable The Home to continue supporting programming for children and their families. About Voices & Visions
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