Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) honored Governor Charlie Baker with its Dr. Jim O'Connell Award on May 16. For almost 25 years, the governor has been BHCHP's ally and advocate, helping to ensure that its patients receive the top quality health care the state is known for.

BHCHP also honored Liberty Mutual Insurance with its Tim Russert Award for its philanthropic leadership and longstanding partnership with the nonprofit. Liberty Mutual Chairman and CEO David Long accepted the award on his company's behalf. The ceremony took place at BHCHP's Medicine That Matters Gala at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. The event raised more than $600,000.

"During his many years in state government, Governor Baker has worked quietly behind the scenes with us, finding better ways to care for homeless individuals and families and assure that every eligible patient was covered by MassHealth," said BHCHP President Jim O'Connell, MD.

"He has brought intellectual firepower and compassion to problem-solving the hurdles our program has faced over the years, but he never wanted any press or fanfare. We are thrilled to finally honor him publicly for his work."

Liberty Mutual's philanthropic fingerprints can be found on virtually every corner of BHCHP - from the care provided in its shelter clinics to its launch of services for homeless youth to the renovation of the historic South End building that is now its home. "Augmenting the company's philanthropic support, Liberty Mutual employees have been generous donors and good friends to our program, leading group activities with our medical respite patients and conducting painting projects to make our facility a more comfortable healing environment," said BHCHP CEO Barry Bock.

WCVB-TV Chronicle anchor Anthony Everett and former longtime Chronicle anchor and Steward Health Care Community Liaison Mary Richardson emceed the event. The co-chairs of the event were Anne Finucane, vice chairman of Bank of America, and John Hailer, president and CEO of Natixis Global Asset Management- the Americas & Asia.

Senator Edward Markey, Mayor Marty Walsh, Jack and Eileen Connnors and Jean Tempel were the honorary co-chairs.