North End / West End Community Hero Robert O’Brien to be Honored at
ABCD Community Volunteer Celebrations on September 17
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis Will Deliver Keynote Address
WCVB Channel 5 Anchor Susan Wornick is Emcee
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) will honor 18 outstanding volunteers who provide extraordinary assistance that helps put Boston-area residents on pathways to better lives. The event takes place on at the Revere Hotel on Tuesday, September 17, from 6PM-9PM.
The annual event celebrates the voluntary efforts of individuals who work tirelessly to address and placate the plight of Boston’s underprivileged residents and communities through voluntary leadership and service.
ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew said that every day when ABCD opens its doors across the city, hundreds of volunteers make a difference for people seeking assistance. “Volunteers are an integral part of who we are,” said Drew. “We are so grateful for the board members, food pantry helpers, student interns and others who give of their time and talent and make a difference in so many lives.”
The honorees are nominated by ABCD’s neighborhood centers and major programs such as Head Start and Health Services.
North End/West End volunteer honored
Robert O’Brien, volunteer at the ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Services Center, will be honored for his contributions to the community. Bob O’Brien began his community service in 1972 as Deputy Director of the Kennedy Center in Charlestown and founder/manager of the Charlestown Economic Development Corporation. He later became Executive Secretary of the Massachusetts Consumer Council and Executive Director of the North End Union. Since 1989 he has been Executive Director of the Downtown North Association, playing a significant role in the Central Artery initiative, including creation of the Rose Kennedy Greenway. A graduate of Boston College, Columbia Business School and Harvard Divinity School, Bob works to harness the forces of government and private investment to build communities that are strong, diverse, economically vibrant, caring and compassionate. “We are so grateful for Bob’s tireless assistance on any and every community issue,” said NE/WE NSC Director Lia Tota.
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis to Keynote
A special keynote address will be given by Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis. The Commissioner oversees police services for over a half million residents along with those visiting and working in the City of Boston. The Commissioner comes from a police family, which allows him to better understand the needs of the police officer, making it a priority to provide the best possible resources and tools for officers to prevent, investigate and predict crime and crime trends. The Commissioner’s extensive law enforcement background has set the tone for policing in the city, from the walking beat, to managing massive demonstrations and special events, to creating an improved and trusting relationship between the police and community, to innovative technology and social media efforts that have improved public safety and allowed open dialogue with those we serve.
“Channel 5’s Susan Wornick will emcee:
The 2013 ABCD Community Volunteers Celebration is being emceed by WCVB Channel 5 anchor and longtime ABCD friend Susan Wornick. Winner of numerous broadcast awards, Wornick, who is also consumer reporter at Channel 5der, is beloved by community organizations throughout New England. She frequently volunteers in the community and serves as a celebrity auctioneer for many good causes.
About ABCD:
ABCD serves more than 87,000 low-income Boston and Greater Boston residents annually through its central offices and a decentralized neighborhood network of Neighborhood Service Centers (NSCs). ABCD programs and affiliations include Fuel Assistance; Child Care Services; Head Start; Child Care Choices of Boston; Education; Career Development; Housing and Homelessness Services; Health Services; Family Planning; Urban College of Boston; University Alternative High School; William J. Ostiguy High School for youngsters with substance and alcohol abuse problems; Weatherization; Foster Grandparents; a Holiday Toy Drive; Elder Services; Intergenerational Programs; Management services for city, state, federal and private sector payroll deduction campaigns.
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