Racemaker Press CEO Honored by Volunteers of America Massachusetts for Community Service

Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMA) celebrated the 20th Annual I Remember Mama Brunch on Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport hotel. For an astonishing two decades, this donor-driven event has raised funds for women in Volunteers of America Massachusetts’ programs, while providing local senior and low income moms with an afternoon of companionship and celebration of Mother’s Day.

I Remember Mama was hosted by devoted and charismatic Boston celebrity, Susan Wornick, the retired WCVB-TV Channel 5 News Anchor. Her mother Myrna Billian, is a staple at the event and this year celebrated her 100th birthday. Women from housing agencies in the city, women in VOAMA programs, sponsors and VOAMA supporters enjoyed a catered brunch, entertainment and special gifts; because all women deserve to be recognized. Special guests also included Boston native, Cheryl Fiandaca, WHDH-TV Channel 7 News Anchor, and her mother, Lucy.

The brunch began with a moving testimony from a former client of the Women’s Hello House, a program for women in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction, run by Volunteers of America Massachusetts. Former client, Jill, explained, “Because of the Hello House, I’m able to be the mother my son deserves.”

Because the day is devoted to uplifting women in difficult and sometimes lonely situations, special recognition is awarded to community members who have positively impacted the lives of women in need. The Susan Wornick and Myrna Billian Community Leadership Award was presented to Mr. Joseph Freeman, CEO and owner of Racemaker Press, Brookline native, and long-time supporter of Volunteers of America Massachusetts. Mr. Freeman’s over 30-year tenure on the VOAMA Board of Directors and his devotion to serving the most vulnerable has impacted the lives of hundreds of people in the greater Boston area.

This year, community members were invited to make a gift in honor of their own loved ones to celebrate Mother’s Day. All proceeds from the 20th Anniversary IRM Brunch will go towards supporting women in Volunteers of America Massachusetts programs, such as women recovering from addiction, female veterans transitioning to civilian life, and low-income women struggling with mental illness.

Tom Bierbaum, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Massachusetts, said, “Generosity from community members makes this event possible each year. In the long run, this event has an even greater impact by bolstering our programs for at-risk women. We are grateful to have the strong support of the community.”

Photos by Christopher Huang

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Volunteers of America Massachusetts is many things to many people. We are a trusted community provider, a passionate advocate for individuals struggling to get back on their feet, and a partner helping other community based organizations throughout Massachusetts. Volunteers of America Massachusetts provides vital social services to thousands of women, men, and young people each year. For more than 100 years, Volunteers of America Massachusetts has promoted an individualized approach to caring for others, based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about their health and happiness.