05/21/2026
Our Volunteer Appreciation Party was truly a special evening, generously hosted by Raymour & Flanigan in Natick, who provided a beautiful space, delicious food and beverages, and a fun creative rock-painting activity. The painted rocks will be sealed and placed in the volunteer garden at the FPM Center later this summer alongside a bench honoring longtime volunteer Maureen Wooster. đź’š
We were proud to celebrate all of our amazing volunteers while recognizing some extraordinary individuals and groups whose dedication goes above and beyond:
👏 Our Board Members in attendance: Dean Blackey, Nick Balster, and DeLisa Joseph
đź’š Most Supportive to Staff: Sylvia Haber & Carol Virshbo
👨‍👩‍👧 Most Involved Family: Daria, Grayson & Sophie Cho
🎨 Most Versatile Volunteer: Mike Clune
🛠️ Attention to Detail Award: Jerry Burke, for tirelessly painting shelter bedrooms and bathrooms as families transition to permanent housing
🌙 Honorary Residential Support Specialists: Colm McGarry & Carol Virshbo, who each spent 9 nights as overnight shelter volunteers
đź’ˇ The Innovators: John Brackett, Jeff Merritt & Lois Doerr, for piloting our Walk with a Family Program
🤝 The Great Connectors: Steve Beling, Robert Sun & Rachel Vingsness, for strengthening vital business, faith, and community partnerships
🏆 Walk to End Homelessness Top Fundraising Teams
Christ Lutheran Church of Natick & Islamic Center of Boston
🌟 Special shoutout to Team Hope 2025–26—the many incredible youth and teens who stepped up to serve FPM families through volunteering and their own www donation drives.
To every volunteer who gives their time, energy, compassion, and heart: thank you!