Social Capitalists Recognized at SCI Luncheon

BOSTON--Today Mayor Tom McLaughlin joined Woburn-based Social Capital Inc. (SCI) to recognize five outstanding “Community Social Capitalists” at the SCI Social Capitalist Luncheon which drew over 200 business and community leaders. SCI also presented the 2008 SCI Idealist Award to Dain and Constance Perry of Charlestown.

A strong contingent of Woburn business and community leaders traveled to Boston for this new SCI luncheon event. Other Woburn elected officials joining Mayor McLaughlin were State Representative Jay Kaufman, City Council President Charlie Doherty and School Committee member Chris Kisiel. And Boys & Girls Club Executive Director was the lucky winner of a basketball signed by all of the members of this year’s Boston Celtics!

Danversbank, which has a branch in Woburn, was a major event sponsor and had a full table at the luncheon. Woburn Branch Manager Anne Denaro served on the Social Capitalist Luncheon Host Committee, and Danversbank Community Reinvestment Officer Kevin Noyes was recognized as a Community Social Capitalist.

“We were pleased to have so many join us from Woburn,” commented SCI President David Crowley. “As SCI expands across the state, the continued support here where we have our roots is much appreciated.”

Mayor McLaughlin was joined in presenting the Community Social Capitalist Awards by Nancy Stolberg, who was recently appointed by Governor Patrick to lead the Commonwealth Corps. The recipients were:

David Abromowitz, Partner, Goulston & Storrs. Mr. Abromowitz is nationally known for his contributions to affordable housing and economic development. He is a founding member of Lawyers’ Clearinghouse on Affordable Housing and Homelessness and serves on many boards addressing these issues.

Cathy Downs, Manager, Boston Globe Foundation. Ms. Downs has been a community builder throughout her 40 year career with the Boston Globe. In her role with the Globe Foundation, she helped develop the Globe’s Neighbor to Neighbor program and Boston Teens in Print.

Kevin Noyes, Community Reinvestment Officer, Danversbank. Mr. Noyes provides leadership on the bank’s strong commitment the community. This includes many Danversbank drives for local charities and coordinating the bank’s program that offers 3 paid volunteer days per year.

Jennifer Price, Principal of Newton North High School. Ms. Price is passionate about ensuring that all students at Newton North have equal access to an excellent education, and has united school and community stakeholders around this goal.

Keyna Samuel, Volunteer, DotWell EITC tax site. Ms. Samuel exemplifies the quiet community activist that is making a real difference every day in Dorchester. She is active in her parent-school associations, the Treasurer of her local civic association, and a dedicated volunteer at the DotWell EITC tax sites.

Dain and Constance Perry were singled out to receive the 2008 SCI Idealist Award for their longstanding commitment to social justice and community building. They are currently traveling around the country facilitating dialogue about racial reconciliation in conjunction with their family’s documentary Traces of the Trade, which was shown at Sundance and is scheduled to be aired on June 24th on PBS. Mr. Perry was a founding board member of SCI and currently serves as its board chair.

“We were pleased to shine a spotlight on these very worthy individuals who are making a difference in local communities,” Crowley observed. “Holding up such stellar examples of active citizenship is one way we encourage others to participate in their communities.”

The Boston Globe, DotWell, Goulston and Storrs joined Danversbank as major event sponsors.

SCI’s mission is to strengthen communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives. SCI was founded in Woburn in 2002 and currently also has locations in Dorchester and Lynn, with plans to expand to other communities across the state.