Unsung Heroines Honored in Boston
BOSTON — More than 300 people gathered in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House to celebrate the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women's 100 Unsung of Massachusetts on May 13.The honorees came from every corner of the Commonwealth to be recognized for their outstanding, selfless contributions to their organizations and communities in a ceremony that was emceed by Channel 5's Liz Brunner.
From the Berkshires, Margo Van Peterson of the town of Florida, Sandra Corinne Newman of Great Barrington, Heather M. McNeice and Carolyn Valli, both of Pittsfield, Inez Flinn of Sheffield and Jennifer Perilli of Windsor were nominated by friends, family and colleagues and selected from among 400 nominees.
This sixth annual Unsung Heroine event featured women who were carefully selected from nearly 400 nominations to be honored for making a difference in the lives of others.
"Our Unsung Heroines are women who don't make the news, but make the difference in their communities. They are the women who quietly, without fanfare or recognition use their time, talent to enrich the lives of others," said Kira Dunn, MCSW executive director.
The event included featured individual recognition for each of the 100 Heroines, a group photo on the Grand Staircase of the State House and a "Just Desserts" reception, featuring donations from Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Hamersley's Bistro, Jacqueline's Gourmet Cookies, Kickass Cupcakes, Polar Beverages, Spinelli's, Via Lago Cafe and Catering, and Whole Foods at Charles River Plaza.
This event was made possible through the support of Verizon, Bank of America, Covidien, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Teresa & H. John Heinz III Charitable Fund, Barbara Lee Family Foundation Fund at The Boston Foundation, American Federation of Teachers, Massachusetts, Bethany Lutheran Church of Orange, Boston Carmen's Union Local 589, ATU, Bagel Alley of Nashua, N.H., Corbett & Lalli Communications, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Stacy A. Dixon, state Sen. Ken Donnelly, Elizabeth and William Houlihan, Jacqueline's Wholesale Bakery Inc., Senate President Therese Murray, state Rep. George Peterson Jr., state Sen. Susan Tucker and YWCA Central Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.
Photo above by Jayna LaVerde, Lynwood Studio
