Kayla Bentas Honored With Mary Upton Ferrin Community Service Award

PEABODY, MA - Kayla Bentas is the recipient of the prestigious Mary Upton Ferrin Community Service Award in 2016. This recognition is presented annually by the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce to a woman who works or resides in the City of Peabody.

“There is certainly no lack of deserving individuals for this award,” said Deanne Healey, president and CEO of the Chamber. “Ms. Bentas was selected based on criteria representing some of the same struggles Mary Upton Ferrin faced in her lifetime. These include championing a humanitarian based effort, a struggle to overcome obstacles, as well as determination in achieving success.”

At nine years old, Ms. Bentas was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor which was crushing her optic nerve and pituitary gland. After the operation to remove the tumor, she was left without sight or sense of smell. She immediately took to learning Braille and set about raising money to buy equipment for herself.

Having exceeded her fundraising goal, she created a foundation called Kayla’s Vision to help other visually impaired and blind students obtain special equipment as well as funds for special camps and programs. Kayla went on to graduate Peabody Veterans Memorial High School and obtained a BSBA from Suffolk University in 2014. She now works full time in the Secretary of State Corporations and Elections Division. Kayla also is an active member of the Peabody Lions Charities and volunteers to help visually impaired Peabody residents.

“It is particularly fitting that Kayla be recognized with this award,” said Michelle Talisman, chairwoman of the Chamber’s Community Service Committee. “She also happens to be a past recipient of a scholarship from the Ferrin Group, which is made up of past recipients of the service award who continue to promote the spirit of Ms. Ferrin herself. Now she will be a member of this prestigious group. It feels like it has come full circle.”

Ms. Bentas will be honored during a celebration on April 12. As 2016, marks the 200th anniversary of Mary Upton Ferrin’s birth, the event will also recognize all past recipients of the award and their contributions to our communities. The cocktail reception gala, sponsored by Lahey Hospital-Peabody, will be held in Wiggin Auditorium, Peabody City Hall, 24 Lowell Street in Peabody from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for General Admission, $20 for Peabody Area Chamber members and can be purchased by contacting the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, 24 Main Street, Suite 28, Peabody, MA 01960, via FAX: 978-532-7227 or online at www.peabodychamber.com Advance reservations and payment required. No tickets will be sold at the door.