Boston Gala Raises More Than $800,000 For Affordable Housing

Nearly 250 civic, business, and community leaders attended the event, which marked the most in the organization's history.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Oct 15, 2026 11:07 AM EDT

The Welcome Home Gala raises awareness of issues facing older adults and recognizes people who support the organization's work. (Michael J. Clarke)

BOSTON, MA — A nonprofit has raised more than $800,000 to support affordable housing and care for older adults in Massachusetts.

Rogerson Communities raised $809,350 at its annual Welcome Home Gala on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Nearly 250 civic, business, and community leaders attended the event, which marked the most successful single evening of fundraising in the organization's 166-year history.

More than $300,000 came from the live auction and paddle raise. The gala exceeded its 2025 fundraising total by nearly 70 percent and comes as Rogerson finishes the second year of a five-year strategic plan aimed at adding 1,000 homes for older adults by 2030. The organization currently has approximately 600 homes in its development pipeline.

"At the heart of everything we do are the people we serve—the older adults who wake up in our communities and the families who trust us with someone they love," Rogerson President and CEO Walter Ramos said.

The evening also honored Boston real estate developer John L. Hall II with the Charles E. Rogerson Award for his leadership and accomplishments in affordable housing. Fellow board member Brent Berc presented the award and highlighted Hall's five decades of work in real estate development, affordable housing, and community service, including his leadership and philanthropy on Rogerson's behalf.

"Together we can continue building something even more important than real estate—we can build strong communities, lasting friendships, and places that people are proud to call home," Hall said.

Ramos also presented a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award to Victoria Williams, a former leader of Boston's Office of Civil Rights and Fair Housing Commission who died in September. Her sister, Lynne McCall, accepted the award on her behalf.

Now in its 27th year, the Welcome Home Gala raises awareness of issues facing older adults and recognizes people who support the organization's work.

"Raising over three-quarters of a million dollars is a testament to what our community can accomplish when people come together around the shared conviction that everyone deserves access to an affordable home and compassionate care," Rogerson Vice President of Advancement Bob Sherburne said.

Founded in 1860, Rogerson Communities provides affordable housing, memory care, senior living, and adult day health services for older adults in Massachusetts. The organization serves more than 2,000 older adults and their families across 25 communities and programs.