Boston, MA – Julie’s Family Learning Program (JFLP), a dedicated and inclusive educational space for underserved learners, announces its Spring Gala, an evening of celebration and support to benefit families and adults seeking to transform their lives through education. The event will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the UMass Club, located at One Beacon Street, Boston, 32nd Floor.

“We are excited to be back on top of Beacon Hill this year for another fun and inspiring evening in support of JFLP’s programs that have helped educate and stabilize local families for more than five decades,” said JFLP Executive Director Michelle Persson Reilly.

The Spring Gala will bring together community members, supporters, and elected officials to celebrate the transformative impact of JFLP. Guests will enjoy an evening of inspiring stories, delicious food, exciting auction prizes, and networking with new and old friends, all in support of sustaining and expanding the critical work of JFLP. Top Spring Gala sponsors to date include Beth and Don Briggs, Colin’s Joy Project, Mary Corcoran Davis and Erik Davis, Al Kaneb in memory of long-time Julie’s supporter Diane Kaneb, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Massport, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur East-West Province, and George and Nan Soule.

In the past year, which marked JFLP’s 50th anniversary, the organization saw some exciting new additions to its program. JFLP opened its Colin’s Joy Library in partnership with the Colin’s Joy Project, welcomed its first class of Boston Pre-K students, and finished a brand-new outdoor playground. JFLP continues to thrive, and these achievements would not have been possible without community support.

This year’s event will honor one of those community supporters with JFLP’s Angel Award. JFLP established the Angel Award in 1999 to honor individuals and organizations who played a pivotal role in the organization’s founding and contributed to its growth and success. This year’s award will be presented at the Gala to Vin Barry, a Liberty Mutual Insurance employee whose expertise and dedication helped JFLP complete over $200,000 in facility improvements funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Early Education and Care and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund, which is co-managed by the Department of Early Education and Care and the Children’s Investment Fund/CEDAC. Mr. Barry served as the volunteer project manager for this extensive project which included a new playground, awnings, outdoor lighting, and important safety and security upgrades. Nearly two years in the making, the project is now reaching completion. Throughout this time, Vin contributed countless hours—coordinating with contractors, participating in weekly planning calls, and ensuring all aspects of the project met necessary standards.

“We could not have completed this project without him,” said Ms. Persson Reilly of Mr. Barry. “We are beyond grateful to Vin for his time and talent, and to Liberty Mutual Insurance for supporting its employees in volunteer efforts such as these. We are thrilled to honor him.”

Join JFLP at the Gala on April 10 to celebrate and support life-changing educational opportunities for those who need them most.

Visit juliesfamily.org for ticket and sponsorship opportunities and additional information.