Danae Bucci will emcee our
“Growing Together” Gala on May 2
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We’re thrilled to have a woman with Boston roots, a Northeastern education, the worldliness that comes from experiencing a Navy childhood—and a commitment to empowering young people to serve as our emcee at our “Growing Together” Gala on Friday, May 2 at Artists For Humanity in South Boston.
Danae is a reporter for WCVB’s award-winning NewsCenter5 team. She joined WCVB from WJCL, in Savannah, Georgia, where she won a “Best Reporter” GABBY award from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. Previously, she had worked at WHDH-TV, Boston; NBC’s Meet the Press; the Colorado Springs Gazette; and several local newspapers.
Danae earned a B.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University, where she was a full-scholarship track and field athlete. She is a part-time lecturer at Northeastern University and a board member of Boston’s Ellis Square Neighborhood Association. In addition, she volunteers for Girls on the Run, which bolsters girls’ fitness and self-confidence through exercise, and the Lupus Foundation.
As a child, Danae was a self-described “military brat,” living and traveling around the world, thanks to the U.S. Navy. She got to live in Japan and Hawaii before eventually settling in Bedford, Massachusetts. At Bedford High School, she excelled as a state and regional track champion. We are so thankful that Danae will champion our cause and help the kids and others we serve!
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Employee Appreciation bash is a smash!
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Our Employee Appreciation Party had it all—pomp, circumstance, and plantains! President and CEO Susan Keays handed out seven values awards plus multiple longevity awards at a ceremony in the Pallotta School cafeteria on Thursday, March 13. Dave Mazza, Vice President of Compliance and Performance Improvement, was honored for his 21 years of service. Pallotta School Day Program Coordinator John Lombardi and Resident Counselor Seymour Clarke were marking an astonishing 35 years with Italian Home.
Sue gave praise, awards, and hugs to those honored. Some on duty and “in the field” were snagged by cellphone!
State Rep Bill McGregor (D) and Eric White, District Director of U.S. Rep Ayanna Pressley office (D) attended the festivities. Rep. McGregor (at right in photo with Sue) praised IHC staff for doing vital work “at the heart of the community,” then, folding up his prepared speech, spoke from the heart. He related his affinity for our mission by referencing his grandmother, who’d grown up in foster care in Rhode Island.
The many attendees feasted on Dominican food from Las Palmas Dominican Kitchen, including chicken, bacalhau (salt cod) with onions, pinto beans, and more. Everyone enjoyed music played by DJ Mez. Mega-kudos to staff members Luz Villar and Nick Bartley for organizing this joyous event. |
Emerging Leader Extraordinaire
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She’s recently emerged as an Emerging Leader, but Chelsey Jenkins helps set the standard for this group of young, compassionate professionals who work together to support Italian Home. She is an extraordinarily devoted volunteer—participating in activities with kids from the Intensive Treatment Program; spreading the word about our mission; securing donations from friends, family, and corporate colleagues; and thriving as one of our most creative brainstormers.
Creativity may be in her genes: she has been painting since childhood, and has always loved crafts, “anything hands-on.” This past year she held an art night at Italian Home, where kids painted, made crafts, and ate pizza. She believes creative outlets are important for kids to build confidence and encourage expression.
Of Emerging Leaders, she says: “Do this if it resonates with you. I know I was so fortunate to have a loving and supportive family, but that isn’t the case for everyone. All kids deserve to feel seen and loved. If we all just spent a little time making impactful contributions to today’s youth, I am confident we could change lives.”
Chelsey became involved with Italian Home after Emerging Leaders Chair James Tambone, now her fiancé, brought her to our annual Gala. A New Hampshire native, she lives on the North Shore and works as Head of Billing Operations at oneZero Financial Systems, a startup tech company that is an innovator of multi-asset class enterprise trading, distribution, and analytics—and an IHC Gala sponsor. She joined the firm as “employee number eight” at age 21 and has happily remained there ever since. We are so happy that Chelsey has joined our team. Thank you so much, Chelsey!
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