Rising Together: Old Colony YMCA’s Gala Raises $660,000 and Honors Community Champions

Rise Up Gala 2024 Main Graphic

QUINCY, MA - On November 1, 2024, Old Colony YMCA's 8th Annual Rise Up Gala was an unforgettable night of generosity, community, and hope! Held at the Quincy Marriott and hosted by WBZ-TV’s Levan Reid, the event raised an astounding $660,000 to empower children and families across the region, embodying the YMCA's mission of building stronger, more resilient communities. Adding to the evening’s inspiration, Cardinal Seán O’Malley shared a heartfelt blessing, setting a tone of unity and purpose.

A highlight of the night was the recognition of Jerry and Maureen Sheehan of the Sheehan Family Companies, awarded the Leadership Award for their years of unwavering dedication to the YMCA’s work. With deep roots in the community and a legacy of supporting impactful causes, the Sheehans' contributions have resonated across generations. Harpak-Ulma, a Taunton-based packaging leader, was also honored with the Call to Action Award for their active commitment to social responsibility and community support, enabling the YMCA to expand its critical programs and resources.

The audience was moved by the powerful story of Ilina Monteiro, an Old Colony YMCA staff member, who shared how YMCA programs had a life-changing impact on her as a teen, leading her to her current role in the organization. Her story underscored the YMCA’s transformative impact on individuals and communities alike.

Ilina Monteiro delivers a heartfelt Keynote Speech at this year's Rise Up Gala

The gala wrapped up with a successful Fund-a-Need segment, led by Tom Rogers of FB Insure and Autumn Wilson, affectionately known as the "Weather Girl" from Camp Clark. With immense gratitude, Old Colony YMCA thanks all sponsors, supporters, and community members who made this night—and the work to come—a reality.

Old Colony YMCA extends its sincere gratitude to all event sponsors, with special thanks to major supporters, including Sheehan Family Companies, Harpak-Ulma, Bristol County Savings Bank, FB Insure, Hologic, Florence Electric, Kaydon Integrated Technologies, Eastern Bank Foundation, Ms. Barbara Hassan, White Deer Electric, Rockland Recovery, North Easton Savings Bank, Stonebridge Homes, Inc., W.B. Mason, Douglas A. King Builders, D'angelo Real Estate, Chuck & Carol Dockendorff, Michelle & Bob Atchinson, Rachel & Travis Rhodes, Eastern Bank Foundation  Suffolk Cares, Campaign for Catholic Schools, Trident Wealth Systems, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, and HarborOne Bank.

For a look at this year's Rise Up gala photos: https://www.theeventshooters.com/Events/Rise-Up-Gala-2024