The latest Wellesley, Mass.-related charity & fundraising news:
Kristin Der named a Myra Kraft Community MVP
The Kraft Family and New England Patriots Foundation earlier this month celebrated the 2025 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners. These 26 volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the New England community at an awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium. In total, $275,000 in donations were distributed to the nonprofits represented by each volunteer. Twenty-five organizations each received $10,000 and THE BASE received this year’s grand prize of $25,000.
Kristin Der of Wellesley was honored for work with AllPaths Family Building in Concord, Mass.
Carol and Jack O’Neil named Community Foundation for MetroWest honorees
The Community Foundation for MetroWest last month presented its 11th Annual Spring Inspiration Breakfast at the Wellesley Country Club. It brought together donors, philanthropic leaders, and community members to explore the diverse paths to impactful giving.
The non-profit recognized Wellesley’s Carol and Jack O’Neil as this year’s Community Philanthropist Honorees. Longtime supporters of the Foundation, the O’Neils have played a pivotal role in strengthening nonprofit initiatives across MetroWest and beyond in areas from housing to food insecurity to healthcare. Jack is a former chairman of the Foundation’s board.
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Catholic Charities Boston honors Kevin Phelan with Kaneb Justice and Compassion Award
Wellesley was well-represented at Catholic Charities Boston’s annual Spring Celebration Gala on May 28 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, which drew about 450 guests and raised over $1.5 million in support of vulnerable clients across Massachusetts. Wellesley’s Kevin Phelan, co-chairman of Colliers Boston, was honored at the event hosted by Catholic Charities Boston, which is led by another Wellesley resident, Kelley Tuthill, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston. Spotted in the crowd was the Nilles family of Wellesley and the event was emceed by Paula Ebben, morning anchor for WBZ-TV and CBS News Boston, who raised her family in Wellesley.
Phelan was presented the John and Virginia Kaneb Justice and Compassion Award, which is Catholic Charities’ highest honor recognizing individuals who exemplify the Agency’s core values of social justice and serving others with compassion, respect, and dignity. The annual Spring Gala raises essential funds to support the thousands of individuals and families who rely on Catholic Charities’ 70-plus programs for services and stability.
The event was emceed by Morning Anchor for WBZ-TV and CBS News Boston Paula Ebben and Pastor of Saint Cecilia Father John Unni. Guests included Archbishop of Boston Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., who opened the evening with an invocation, Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, Peter Lynch, as well as Monsignor Bryan Hehir and former U.S. Vatican Ambassador and Boston Mayor Ray Flynn.
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