Boston Health Care For The Homeless Program Gala Raises Over $600,000

Founded in 1985, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) has evolved into the largest health care for the homeless program in the country, delivering comprehensive services to more than 12,000 homeless men, women and children a year at more than 80 shelters and sites.

The 5th annual "Medicine that Matters" gala, held May12th at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, gathered over 500 business and civic-minded supporters to honor the mission of BHCHP and provide vital support for the challenging, but gratifying work of delivering compassionate health care to Boston's homeless citizens. The evening raised over $600,000, while honoring Massachusetts General Hospital psychiatrist Derri Shtasel, MD, MPH, with its Dr. Jim O'Connell Award. The gala also honored Covidien, the healthcare products company, with the Tim Russert Award for its philanthropic leadership and longstanding partnership with the nonprofit.

WCVB-TV Chronicle anchor Anthony Everett and former longtime Chronicle anchor Mary Richardson emceed the event. Gala co-chairs were Natixis Global Assets Management - US Distribution President and CEO David L. Giunta and Putnam Investments Managing Director Edmund F. Murphy, III. Jack and Eileen Connors were honorary co-chairs.

South End Residents Kevin Leary and his wife Mary Kelleher are major supporters of BHCHP. He is on the Board of Directors and they were both on the gala committee.

South End residents Mike Lawrence and Lee Cowgill.