Action for Boston Community Development rolled out the festivities on November 6 in a gala celebration of 18 outstanding neighborhood volunteers who selflessly give back to their communities, as well as private sector members whose steadfast support makes all the difference for low-income families and neighborhoods.

ABCD honored Mary Manuel, who has been a voice for the voiceless concerning a great many community issues and projects. A South End resident since 1975 and a passionate advocate for affordable housing, Mary has been a member of the ABCD Advisory Board for ten years. Early on, gentrification was on the rise, threatening the ability of low and moderate-income families to hold onto the homes they lived in for decades. Mary and other advocates have had many successes, but as she puts it, "There is always uncertainty around the corner. We must be forever vigilant to work toward affordable housing for all." Her vigilance proved fruitful again when she joined protests, and her subsequent efforts led to the development of Tent City: a national model of mixed-income housing.


"ABCD is proud to honor our community volunteers and others who go above and beyond to help those in need," said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew. "We thank Jay Hooley and State Street Corporation for their ongoing support of at-risk youth and other community initiatives. We'll also enshrine two highly dedicated supporters into the ABCD Hall of Fame. For well over a decade, their remarkable commitment to Boston's low income youth, elders and families has had tremendous and lasting impact. They are always there when we need them. ABCD couldn't be a force for good all these years without everyone pitching in, and we are grateful."

The 18 community volunteers recognized for their tireless efforts to address the plight of Boston's underprivileged residents and communities are: Julio Perdomo, Allston/Brighton; Stephen Kunian, Asian American Civic Association; Rachele Gardner, Dorchester; Amy Lima, East Boston; Carol Stamper, Elder Services; James A. Owens Jr., Elm Hill; Katharine Handy, Head Start & Children Services; Jennease Hyatt, Health Services; Betty White, HP/Project Care & Concern; David Flanagan, John F. Kennedy Center; Magalis Troncoso Lama, Jamaica Plain/Boston Hispanic Center; Cassandra Cato Louis, Mattapan; Pamela Donahue, North End/West; Daniel Roman, Parker Hill/Fenway; Daniel Brown, South Boston; Mary Manuel, South End, Velma DuPont, Women's Service Club of Boston, and Sharon Burton of Mystic Valley.